A total of 32 teams aged under-8 to under-12 joined Tigers at Butlins Skegness for a two-day tournament.
Over the weekend, the touring teams played in a series of hard-fought games in age-group leagues. There were also some training and skills sessions held by Tigers community coaches.
The teams were all accommodated at Butlins Skegness and had access to its superb facilities, including the sub-tropical Splash Waterworld, the Laser Arena and the go-kart track.
“It made perfect sense,” said Scott Clarke, Tigers community manager. “Rugby is a great game with a tradition of touring. When organising mini and junior tours, the hardest thing to do is to find quality accommodation and activities for the young players to do once the rugby stops, but Butlins has that in spades and delivers on quality.”
The teams from Ipswich RFC enjoyed a successful weekend, winning the titles in the under-8s, under-10s and under-12s age groups. Market Bosworth Under-9s and Selby Under-11s were the other winners.
Clarke said: “The games were played in a fantastic spirit and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.
“It was great for us to be able to help organise and run Tigers Challenge with the ESF team. It was a huge success – even the weather supported us!”
The festival finished with Matt Hampson, Tigers flanker Tom Armes and former Welford Road favourite Freddie Tuilagi joining the competing teams for a spectacular presentation.
Cate Pennington, admin for Ipswich Under-12s, said: “The boys, and the parents, had a fantastic weekend.
“The venue was great with loads to do for the children when they weren’t playing, the festival organisation was slick and the medal presentation superb!
“We all made lots of new friends over the weekend and the fact that we won the Cup was the icing on the cake.”
Nikki Paton, West Norfolk Under-9s Administrator, added: “The boys thoroughly enjoyed the rugby, meeting new teams and not to mention the presentation.
“We look forward to attending next year and will also be encouraging our other age groups to attend.”
Tigers will stage a second Tigers Challenge over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The event is already sold out with more than 85 teams set to join our coaches at Butlins Minehead for another weekend of rugby.
More information on Tigers Challenge is available from the Tigers community team on 0844 856 1880 or online by clicking here
