Rugby Tours: The Complete 2027 Guide for Schools, Academies & Clubs

Rugby touring is woven into the culture of the game. From playing in front of a new crowd to the post-match hospitality with your opposition, a rugby tour builds the bonds a squad remembers for life. This guide answers the questions coaches, schools, clubs and parents ask us most about rugby tours.

Olimpia Tour designs and manages rugby tours for school, academy and club teams of every age and standard. Every tour is tailored, so costs are always on request.

Key Takeaways

• •The UK and Ireland, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji are the great rugby tour destinations.
• •Most tours include 3–4 fixtures — rugby is physical, so recovery days matter.
• •Sevens festivals are a great option for schools and clubs.
• •Watching Test or top-level club rugby live is a tour highlight.
• •Plan 12–18 months ahead, especially for school tours.

Where are the best rugby tour destinations?

• •England, Scotland and Wales — historic rugby schools and clubs, Premiership and Six Nations atmosphere.
• •Ireland — URC and provincial rugby, famous hospitality and strong school rugby.
• •France — Top 14 crowds, passionate regional clubs and culture.
• •New Zealand — the home of the All Blacks and rugby-first communities.
• •South Africa — powerful school rugby and safari experiences.
• •Fiji and the Pacific — sevens flair, warm welcomes and village rugby.

What does a rugby tour include?

• •Fixtures against schools, clubs and academies matched by age, size and standard.
• •Coaching sessions with experienced rugby coaches.
• •Sevens festivals — when dates align.
• •Watching elite rugby — Test, URC, Premiership, Top 14 or Super Rugby when the calendar allows.
• •Full logistics — flights, hotels, transport, meals, insurance guidance and a 24/7 coordinator.

When is the best time for a rugby tour?

Northern hemisphere rugby (UK, Ireland, France) runs roughly September to May; southern hemisphere rugby (New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji) runs roughly March to October. We match your dates to the season so there's competitive opposition.

What does a typical 10-day rugby tour look like?

1. Day 1 — Arrive, light run-out, team dinner.

2. Day 2 — Coaching session and sightseeing.

3. Day 3 — First fixture and post-match hospitality.

4. Day 4 — Recovery and cultural day.

5. Day 5 — Coaching session.

6. Day 6 — Second fixture.

7. Day 7 — Travel to a second city.

8. Day 8 — Watch elite rugby.

9. Day 9 — Third fixture and farewell dinner.

10. Day 10 — Depart.

How is player welfare managed on a rugby tour?

We build in recovery days, match opposition carefully, confirm medical cover at every venue, and follow concussion and welfare protocols. Your team physio or first-aider is supported by our on-ground coordinator.

How is safety managed?

Every Olimpia Tour follows an ISO 31030-aligned travel risk plan: vetted accommodation, agreed supervision ratios, medical access, emergency procedures and a 24/7 on-ground coordinator. Read our duty of care guide and our 12–18 month planning timeline.

Ready to plan your tour?

Read our rugby tour planning guide, school rugby tours to the UK and Europe, rugby tours to Europe and rugby sevens tours. Then start building your tour, message us on WhatsApp or contact us — every tour is tailored, with costs on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rugby tour?

A trip for a school, academy or club rugby team combining fixtures against local teams, coaching, watching elite rugby, team-building and cultural experiences.

Where are the best places for a rugby tour?

England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji are the most popular rugby tour destinations.

How many matches are played on a rugby tour?

Usually 3–4 fixtures, with recovery days in between because rugby is so physical.

When is the best time for a rugby tour?

The UK, Ireland and France are best from about September to May; New Zealand, South Africa and Fiji from about March to October.

How is player safety managed on a rugby tour?

Through matched opposition, recovery days, medical cover at venues, concussion protocols, an ISO 31030-aligned risk plan and 24/7 support.

How much does a rugby tour cost?

It depends on destination, group size, length and inclusions. Every Olimpia Tour rugby tour is tailored, with costs on request.