13 May Under 9’s Shine at International XNations Tournament
The spirit of Navan RFC went international earlier this month as 13 families from our Under 9’ squad made the trip to Milan, Italy, for the 9th edition of the prestigious XNations MiniRugby Tournament.
Hosted by Pirati Rugby on 8th & 9th May last, the event was a massive celebration of grassroots rugby. With over 1,000 players, 69 teams, and 30 clubs participating, Navan RFC was represented on a stage that included teams from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales, and host nation Italy.
At the Under 9’s level, the focus of the tournament was strictly non-competitive. This allowed our young players to play without pressure, focusing instead on the core values of rugby: fun, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It was a golden opportunity to “grow the love of the game” while building new relationships and contacts across the European rugby community.
The experience of playing against different styles and meeting children from so many different cultures was incredible for everyone involved. Our young players carried the Navan RFC name with immense pride and were a credit to the club throughout the weekend.
An international tour of this scale is a massive undertaking, and we want to thank the 13 families who made the journey to support the team and facilitate this unforgettable experience.
We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, who ensured the kids looked the part in their high-quality match and tour kits.
A huge thank you to:
- BOC Build
- Dawson Mechanical and Renewables
- Harcourt Developments
- EbonyRose Interiors
- Aer Lingus
The memories made in Milan will undoubtedly last a lifetime and serve as a fantastic foundation as these players continue their journey through the Navan RFC ranks.
More Photos are available to view on the Navan RFC Instagram!