A record 28 rugby teams from across Scotland will muster on Islay this weekend for a unique event in the rugby calendar - the Lagavulin Beach Rugby tournament.
Sponsored by the world famous Lagavulin Distillery for the third year running, the event on Saturday 14th June combines sand, surf and scrums in the glorious setting of Islay’s White Hart Beach at Port Ellen.
International rugby stars past and present are set to support the tournament which kicks-off at 1pm. Ian MacLachlan, former Scotland and British Lions player, will host proceedings and present the prizes at the event which will see around 250 players competing for the tournament trophy, last year won by Melrose.
Other former Scotland international players expected to take part in the event include Gregor Townsend, Stevie Scott and Rory Kerr along with former Ireland players including Andy Ward and David Irwin.
This full-contact beach rugby event, accompanied by the music of Islay’s pipe band, is unique in Scottish Rugby and has steadily grown in popularity since it was first played eight years ago.
The Lagavulin tournament is now so popular it was this year over-subscribed and entries came in thick and fast. Women’s teams have also joined the event and it has caught on to the extent there is now a European version of the tournament.
Kevin Sutherland, Manager of Diageo’s Islay Group which employs 45 people on Islay at its Lagavulin and Caol Ila Distilleries and Port Ellen Maltings, said the company was delighted to be sponsoring the event again.
“Last year over 500 spectators enjoyed a great day on the wonderful setting of White Hart Beach as the teams battled it out on the hot sands. While there is always a highly competitive edge the atmosphere is one of great camaraderie among the players and supporters - fingers crossed that we will have another glorious day on Saturday,” said Mr Sutherland.
According to VisitScotland’s Local Regional Director, Scott Armstrong, the Lagavulin Beach Rugby tournament is an opportunity to highlight in a unique way what Islay has to offer.
“The popularity of the event paired with the increasing number of teams wanting to play is very encouraging from a tourism perspective; hopefully this weekend will encourage return visitors throughout the year. We wish all the teams the very best and hope a fun day is had by all involved.”
The teams are from the Army, Navy, Ulster, Border Reivers, Melrose, Cartha, Strathendrick, Cowal, Hillhead, Hillhead Select, Moffat, Howe (Fife), Cambuslang, Falkirk, Oban, Mid Argyll, Kintyre. Two Islay teams and four Islay distillery teams are also set to attend. The women’s teams hail from Hillhead, GHA, Oban, Edinburgh University, Newcastle, Watsonians and Islay