BEACH 5’s RUGBY – MAKING HISTORY, ONCE AGAIN !
This weekend in Marseille, France, European BEACH 5’s history will be made when the 2013 Marseille Beach Fives tournament kicks off.
WHY ? Well because this years Marseille tournament will also HOST the 1st Leg in the inaugural 2013 EBRA BEACH 5’s Series. Organised by the EUROPEAN BEACH RUGBY ASSOCIATION (EBRA), the new Series is designed to promote the development of BEACH 5’s Rugby all over Europe.
The explosion of interest during the last year has been nothing short of staggering, especially in Europe, with new BEACH 5’s tournaments launching almost every week. At the core of the European movement are the 4 Pillars of EBRA, namely SUPER BEACH 5’s LIGNANO (Italy), MARESEILLE BEACH FIVES (France), STRAND RUGBY ZEEBRUGGE (Belgium) & FIGUEIRA BEACH RUGBY (Portugal).
EBRA’s Italian President and SUPER BEACH 5’s organiser, Gian Carlo Stocco, is delighted with this innovative move. “It’s just the beginning. Naturally we hope it will encourage further growth and participation throughout Europe’s Beach community. Players are delighted to have the chance to compete at a European level and Fans are being treated to the best BEACH 5’s, anywhere in the world. While it’s a competitive environment, BEACH 5’s also brings the unique spirit of Rugby to the Beach. What a great way to promote the sport of Rugby.”
Another interesting fact about the 2013 Marseille event is that for the 1st time Italian teams competing in France can win points towards the LIBR Italian National Championship classification. So far, 2 Italian squads have taken up the challenge…..I TORI BIANCHI (Marseille 2012 Champions) and the Legendary MACCARESE ROMA.
For Lionel Laugier, Organiser of Marseille Fives, and his team, it’s all about to get seriously hot on the French Riviera. Bonne chance!
Stay tuned for more.
The 2013 EBRA BEACH 5’s Series comprises of 4 LEGS:
LEG 1 – MARSEILLE, France 21-23 June
LEG 2 – ZEEBRUGGE, Belgium 28-30 June
LEG 3 – FIGUEIRA da FOZ, Portugal 13-14 July
LEG 4 – LIGNANO SABBIADORO, Italy 20-21 July **
** LIGNANO will host 13th LIGNANO INTERNATIONAL CUP & 2nd EBRA EUROPEAN CUP
For information about EBRA and it’s events, visit their site www.beach-rugby.eu
