WEST COUNTRY CHALLENGE FESTIVAL 2026
The Easter holidays once again saw clubs from across England and Wales make the journey to Somerset for the West Country Challenge 2026, hosted by Yatton RFC in partnership with Unity Beach Holiday Park, Brean.
With over 1,000 tourists in attendance and age groups ranging from U7 to U15, the event brought together players, coaches and supporters for a memorable weekend of rugby, team bonding and entertainment.
Arrival Day
Rugby and Onsite Entertainment
Saturday saw the Junior teams head to Yatton RFC for their festival fixtures, with some excellent rugby played throughout the day. Clubs from across England and Wales took part, creating a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
Whilst the Juniors were in action, the Minis enjoyed a free day at Unity Beach Holiday Park. Many groups made use of the park’s facilities, while others headed down to Brean Beach to enjoy the sunshine and spend time together as a team.
Saturday Junior Results at Yatton RFC
| Age Group | Winners | Runners up |
| U13 | Maesteg Celtic FC  |
Bedwas RFC  |
| U14 | Sutton Coldfield RFC  |
Dunvant RFC  |
| U15 | Senghenydd RFC  |
Heathfield & Waldron RFC  |
Sunday – Minis Day at Yatton RFC
On Sunday, it was the turn of the Mini age groups to take centre stage at Yatton RFC. The standard of rugby throughout the day was excellent, with clubs competing in a fantastic spirit and producing some closely fought matches.
Meanwhile, the Junior teams enjoyed a free day at Unity Beach Holiday Park, making the most of the facilities and the beautiful weather.
A special mention goes to all of the Spirit of Rugby winners, who were recognised by their fellow teams for demonstrating the values and sportsmanship that make grassroots rugby so special.
Sunday Results at Yatton RFC
| Winners at U12 | Runners up at U12 |
Mountain Ash RFC Winner  |
Pinner RFC  |
Sunday Spirit of Rugby Winners
| Age Group | Winners |
| U7 | Pinner RFC |
| U8 | Crawley RFC  |
| U9 | Thornbury RFC  |
| U10 | Pinner RFC |
| U11 | Yatton RFC  |
Another Successful West Country Challenge
Once again, the West Country Challenge provided a fantastic Easter rugby festival, bringing together clubs from across England and Wales for a memorable weekend of rugby.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and Spirit of Rugby recipients, and thank you to every player, coach, parent and volunteer who helped make the festival such a success.
Looking Ahead to 2027?
Planning is already underway for the West Country Challenge 2027.
Our West Country Challenge Rugby Festival 2027 is an RFU-approved event, ensuring the festival continues to be delivered in accordance with RFU guidelines and regulations.
Whilst rugby remains at the heart of the West Country Challenge, feedback consistently shows that spending time together away from the pitch is equally important. Whether enjoying the facilities at Unity Beach Holiday Park, visiting Brean Beach or socialising with teammates, these experiences often become some of the highlights of the weekend.
For clubs looking for an alternative to the festival format, our Premiership Rugby Weekends 2027 offer a popular fixture-based touring option combined with activities and the opportunity to watch top-flight rugby.
With many clubs returning year after year, availability can become limited, so we would encourage teams to enquire early to secure their preferred event and accommodation options.
Book Your Place For Next Season
The West Country Challenge proved hugely popular once again in 2026, and we expect demand for 2027 to be just as strong.
If you would like to secure your place for next year’s event, please get in touch with our team today.
Please click here for all of our 2027 events
