SQY Junior Rugby Tournament in Paris

Tours 4 Sport presents the SQY Junior Rugby Tournament, an international event for U10/11, 12/13 and 14/15s held close to Versaille, Paris over Easter weekend 2011.

This is an outstanding tournament with a strong international presence. Within driving distance of the UK, this is an opportunity to enjoy an international tournament without worrying about flight prices. Situated close to Paris and Versailles, there are also opportunities to visit one of the world's greatest capital cities.

Let's have a look at the rugby details first of all.

• 'Under 11s' category: players born in 2000/2001, so this actually suits English U10s better. Teams are 8-a-side; the pitch is 30m x 22m; games last 7 minutes, 8 in the finals; teams play a minimum of 7 games over the 2 days, and the pitch is a 3G artificial surface. 
• 'Under 13s' category: players born in 1998/99, so this actually suits English U12s better. Teams are 10-a-side; the pitch is 56m x 40m; games last 7 minutes, 8 in the finals; teams play a minimum of 7 games over the 2 days, and the pitch is grass. 
• 'Under 15s' category: players born in 1996/97, so this actually suits English U14s better. Teams are 12-a-side; the pitch is 90m x 56m; games last 7 minutes, 8 in the finals; teams play a minimum of 7 games over the 2 days, and the pitch is grass. 

The tournament is played at SQY Rugby on Easter Saturday and Sunday. SQY stands for Saint Quentin en Yvelines, the town located just 10 minutes and 30 minutes' drive from Versailles and central Paris respectively. 2011 will be the third edition of this event, which attracts teams from throughout Europe. Half of the 20 entrants per age category are foreign visitors: last year there were teams from England, Germany, Belgium and Italy and there are already large Dutch and Italian delegations lined up for 2011. 

There is plenty going on around the matches at the tournament. There is a huge BBQ running throughout the weekend, of course the bar is open throughout giving the opportunity to make new friends from around Europe. Olivier Merle, the giant ex-France second rower, is the tournament ambassador; a very popular figure, last year he spent time answering questions from numerous groups, watching games, presenting awards and telling stories at the bar. 

There are awards and celebrations on Sunday afternoon after the finals. In addition to this, there will be a Friday evening welcoming drink for all the visiting teams. On Saturday evening there is a special dinner for the 2 team coaches from all participating teams. 

The rugby will be finished by Sunday afternoon, providing an opportunity for excursions. Take a trip into Paris and do your own sightseeing, or we can pre-book river cruises on the Seine, entry to the main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, or a tour round the national stadium, Stade de France. If the Top 14 calendar allows, we can also organise tickets to watch professional fixtures.


We can organise the entire travel package for you. The most affordable way to travel will be by coach from the UK. We will provide an executive coach and driver throughout the 4 day tour. 

We offer three different accommodation options. The most affordable option is a good quality hostel within 10 minutes' drive of the rugby venue. All options are bed and breakfast basis. Group will be accommodated in quad rooms. There are meeting rooms and plenty of outdoor green areas here. The second option is a 2* hotel just 300m walk from the centre of Saint Quentin en Yvelines. Group accommodated in twin and triple bedded en-suite rooms with free wifi and TV in rooms, plus on-site restaurant. The 3* hotel option is outstanding: it is based on the golf course which hosts the annual French Open. There is a bar, cafe and restaurant to enjoy on-site. Whilst late April might be a little early for the outdoor swimming pool,  this remains a good quality, comfortable option within easy driving distance of the tournament venue. 

Your tour package will include: 

• 4 days executive coach hire. 
• Return English Channel ferry crossings. 
• Staff assistance from the time of your arrival throughout the weekend. 
• 3 nights' stay in your chosen accommodation on bed and breakfast basis. 
• Welcome drink on Friday evening. 
• Tournament entry and registration fees. 
• Dinner reception for 2 x team managers on Saturday evening. 
• Lunch on Saturday & Sunday for all tourists
• 1 snack per player on Saturday afternoon. 
• 1 trophy per team. 
• Medals for category winners. 
• Tournament T shirt for each player. 
• Meeting with former french international during the weekend. 
• Payment protection insurance. 
• Itinerary planning service: we can pre-book additional activities ahead of your stay, such as trips to Paris or Versailles. 

With package prices starting from as little as £210 per person, this is an excellent opportunity to tour abroad. Contact us to register your interest: 0800 043 3887 or info@tours4.com