Counting Down for Islay Beach Rugby Festival 2010

The Laddie Blog has an update on the upcoming Islay Beach Rugby Festival this weekend and most people are already counting down the days and hours. The festival has gained a huge popularity in only a couple of years and for many it's THE event of the year. In recent years the weather has been exceptionally beautiful so let's hope this will be the case this weekend as well, the signs look good for now. Here is the article the Laddie Blog posted today:

22 mens and 10 ladies' teams are gathering this weekend for the great Islay Beach Rugby festival. The knock-out tournament (in every sense of the word) has gained a cult status within the Scottish rugby world and is now the most eagerly anticipated event on the tournament circuit. The holders, Black Bottle, will be defending their title against teams from Bruichladdich, Ardbeg and Kilchoman as well as two Islay RFC teams, and several from Argyll, Glasgow, the Borders and various universities. With demand to play exceeding places, the participating teams are selected to attend by invitation. There is a great atmosphere at this event which kicks off with a BBQ on Friday evening, followed by an afternoon's great sport with a lively dance after the rugby on Saturday evening.

All are welcome to come, watch, admire and enjoy - but be warned: it is a hard, physical and exhausting, and that's just the spectating. There is nothing remotely 'summer holiday' about this version of fast, frenetic, compact rugby. Kick-off is at 12 on Saturday 12th June at the Port Ellen beach, opposite the White Hart pub, with play taking place on two adjacent pitches. There will be plenty to eat and drink, or bring your own picnic, and enjoy a great day out. Caledonian MacBrayne have helpfully diverted the Kennacraig to Islay ferry on Friday 11th June - the 13.00hrs and the 18.00hrs departures - which will now arrive at Port Ellen (instead of the scheduled Port Askaig) to assist with the transportation of hundreds of rugby players and fans coming for the Beach Rugby Festival. Consequently, on Friday 11th June the 15.30 sailing from Islay to Kennacraig will now depart from Port Ellen and on Saturday 12th June the 07.00hrs will depart from Port Ellen. Below a nice video with some impressions.