June 8 2013 sees Ibiza host the first officially sanctioned 10s rugby tournament, presented by RugbySpy, which will see eight teams from all over Europe and Dubai, including one of Premiership stars, compete in the inaugural tournament at the Estadio Municipal Can Misses. The tournament is recognized by the FER and with over 5000 spectators expected, at only 30 euros a ticket it promises to boost the profile of Rugby in the Iberian Peninsula.
World Cup winner Phil Vickery and his Raging Bull company has put its considerable weight behind the tournament, keen to support the initiative to bring the first full scale event to Ibiza. Delightted that inhabitants and holidaymakers would have the opportunity to see the best the rugby community has to offer Vickery had this to say on the forthcoming tournament, “Everyone’s idea of Ibiza is the clubs, the raves, the money, the expense, the glamour and the boats. Let’s go over and show them what our game is about… having a good time but knowing the limits. We can go over there and break down barriers.” Vickery’s comments were reinforced by former Wasps club mate and England 7’s star Tom Varndell another supporter of the event who added “I’m delighted to support this exciting new rugby 10’s tournament in the idyllic setting of Ibiza and really looking forward to joining the players and spectators for a fantastic day of sunshine rugby”
The Mambo Group has sponsored the ‘Come And Try Rugby’ day, which gives children the chance to get involved, where different forms of the sport will be available under the supervision of London Irish coach Dave Christie as well as a number of local coaches. There will be free rugby balls for all children taking part. London based sport development company RugbySpy is the team behind delivering the event and has the backing of the City of Ibiza Town’s Mayor, Marienna Sanchez- Jauregui and Sport recreation Department minister Maria del Mar Sanchez-Gutierrez who are keen to elevate the sport’s popularity on the back of the national teams Sevens World Series qualification last season.
The one-day tournament will be played at the Estadio Municipal Can Misses, a site normally home to the two football teams of Ibiza Town, based a short distance from the historic Ibiza Town and, set against the backdrop of breath taking Balearic scenery and UNESCO World Heritage site Ibiza Port. Two pools of four teams will take part in a full day of rugby with three play-off stages in front of an expected crowd of 5000 spectators.
The tournament has had great support from local businesses on the island with a major hotel group offering discount to all those RugbySpy ticket holders and prominent businesses Mambo Grou0p and Ibiza Rocks have also partnered with the event. Space is also offering free entry to all ticket holders for an event after party as Ibiza embraces the notion of its first officially sanctioned rugby tournament.