An Easter rugby tour is often one of the highlights of a young player’s season. It’s a chance to face new opposition, enjoy time with teammates and make memories that last long after the matches have finished.
For 2027, the West Country Challenge, organised by Burleigh Travel, offers something even more meaningful.
The popular mini and junior rugby festival will be supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with a charitable donation made for every person travelling to the event.
It means rugby clubs can enjoy a memorable Easter weekend in Somerset while helping raise funds for important Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
Bringing the Rugby Community Together for MND
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established in honour of former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir, who became an inspirational figure in raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
The foundation’s vision is a world free of MND. Its work focuses on supporting research, encouraging scientific collaboration and accelerating progress towards effective treatments.
By supporting the foundation through the West Country Challenge 2027, Burleigh Travel is giving rugby clubs an opportunity to contribute to that mission.
For every person travelling to the festival, Burleigh Travel will make a donation to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
This charitable commitment adds another dimension to the weekend, showing how grassroots rugby can bring communities together to support causes that matter beyond the pitch.
What Is the West Country Challenge 2027?
The West Country Challenge is an established Easter rugby festival for mini and junior clubs, taking place from 2-5 April 2027.
Hosted at Yatton Rugby Club, south of Bristol, the event welcomes teams from Under 7 through to Under 15.
The tournament is organised across two days:
- Saturday 3 April: Junior rugby, Under 13-Under 15.
- Sunday 4 April: Mini rugby, Under 7-Under 12.
The festival follows England Rugby regulations, providing age-appropriate rugby for participating teams.
Clubs have the opportunity to compete against visiting and local opposition, experience different playing styles and develop their teamwork in an enjoyable sporting environment.
For many younger players, it’s also an introduction to rugby touring, with the excitement of travelling away together and representing their club.
A Rugby Tour That the Whole Family Can Enjoy
One of the attractions of the West Country Challenge is its location on the Somerset coast.
Participating groups can stay at Unity Holiday Park or Beachside Holiday Park, close to Brean Sands Beach.
Accommodation options include modern static caravans, with camping and touring facilities also available.
There’s plenty to enjoy away from the rugby pitch.
Families can make the most of the nearby beach, evening entertainment and activities at the holiday park, while attractions such as Brean Theme Park and Brean Splash Waterpark provide additional entertainment.
These activities are particularly appealing for clubs travelling with parents, siblings and supporters.
They also give young players the opportunity to spend time together socially, strengthening the friendships and team spirit that make rugby tours so valuable.
Why Rugby Festivals Are Important for Young Players
Participating in an organised rugby festival offers benefits beyond playing matches.
Young players experience unfamiliar opposition, develop confidence and learn to work together in different situations.
For coaches, a festival provides an opportunity to build team relationships outside the usual training and matchday environment.
For families, it’s a chance to share the experience and create lasting memories together.
The West Country Challenge combines these sporting and social benefits with a charitable purpose, helping young players appreciate the positive contribution rugby can make within the wider community.
Experienced Rugby Tour Organisation
Burleigh Travel has been arranging sports tours and rugby festivals since 1998, working with clubs to coordinate accommodation, tournament participation and travel arrangements.
The West Country Challenge offers an organised rugby programme alongside family-friendly accommodation and leisure activities.
Caravan packages are advertised from £139 per person, based on the accommodation arrangements specified in the itinerary, with additional options available for clubs travelling with camping equipment or touring vehicles.
For club organisers, having the accommodation and festival arrangements coordinated can make planning an Easter rugby tour more manageable.
Take Part in the West Country Challenge 2027
With the festival taking place over the Easter holidays, now is a good opportunity for rugby clubs to consider their 2027 touring plans.
The combination of competitive rugby, Somerset coastal accommodation, activities for the whole family and support for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation makes the West Country Challenge an appealing option for mini and junior teams.
Every participating traveller will also help generate a donation towards the foundation’s work supporting MND research.
Clubs interested in finding out more can explore the West Country Challenge 2027 event details and booking information through Burleigh Travel.
It’s an opportunity to enjoy a great rugby weekend while contributing to an important cause.
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