Tommy Bowe & Louis Ludik’s schools rugby festival kicks off next week

Brought to you by Rugby Rising

It'll take place in Donnybrook stadium.

For the first time ever, Rugby Rising will pit the biggest rugby schools in the country against each other for a brand-new trophy. There'll be everything from live music and fancy dress (it is Halloween after all) on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so it's about a lot more than rugby! After Tommy Bowe and Louis Ludik spoke about their favourite memories playing rugby, they got the idea of starting their own tournament. Fast forward two years, and it's about to become a reality. Rugby Rising will have Irish rugby schools battling it out for a brand-new trophy, and the plan is to make it an annual event. As an added incentive, buying a ticket will put your name into a draw for tickets to Ireland vs New Zealand in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, 18 November!

Rugby Rising

Taking place throughout the October mid-term break, Rugby Rising kicks off on Monday, 29 October. It is about so much more than just playing rugby. Over the three match-days (Mon, Wed & Fri), players will be provided with a platform to develop their knowledge of health and wellbeing while networking with friends and rival teams throughout the country. There will also be an opportunity to meet the nation’s leading faces in rugby (international coaches & players and industry professionals). Teams can opt for either residential or non-residential participation. They're going all out with the fancy dress as well, with a different theme each day. Monday is Superhero Scramble day, Wednesday is Ghosts and Ghouls, and Friday is School Colours day! For three days, 10 teams from across Ireland will bring solid senior cup level rugby to Energia Park in Donnybrook. This is not just rugby, this is Rugby Rising. Think live music, think food trucks, think fancy dress, think 60-minute matches with rolling subs. Buy tickets online today! Brought to you by Rugby Rising