Rugby trip to Armistice International Youth Rugby Festival (France)

“A caring operator who worked hard for the boys to get a great experience and develop their football at the same time.”

Tom Whitehead, Head of Football, Dulwich College

“Professional, courteous, committed and fun. Many thanks Club Europe for a first class experience.”

Nick Howe, St Paul’s Junior School, London

Good standard of sport and a focus on remembrance

The Armistice International Youth Rugby Festival has established itself as a premier event with a reputation for a good standard of sport along with educational values and a focus on remembrance.

Teams are from France, the UK and across Europe. The UK age categories for boys are under 15/16s and under 17/18s - 15 a side rugby. The recommended squad size is 24 players. Girls age groups are under 15/16s and under 17/18s - rugby 7’s. The recommended squad size is 12 players. The age groups will be registered in the French categories, M16 and M18.

Over the course of the two-day festival in Compiègne, a highlight is a training session with South Africa’s RDJ Sports, as well as a ‘Train the Trainer’ session for visiting coaches.

Compiègne is an idyllic French town approximately a 1 hour and 30-minute drive north of Paris. The area is rich with history; indeed, it was here The Armistice was signed on 11 November 1918, and again on 22 June 1940. Fascinating visits are incorporated into the itinerary.

Compiègne is an unforgettable and exciting destination for a youth rugby festival. The festival’s local groundwork team coordinates events in advance and will be with you throughout your stay.

Sample itinerary

Availability of tickets for professional matches will be dictated by tour dates.

Day 1, Thursday 22nd October

Arrival in Compiègne. Early arrivals training session available from 3pm to 7pm at RCC Compiègne with RDJ Sports (South Africa). Evening welcome reception and dinner at RCC Compiègne.

Day 2, Friday 23rd October

Morning guided visit to the Museum of Occupation, Resistance and Deportation in Tergnier. After a packed lunch, return to RCC Compiègne for part one of the festival. In the evening there is a short Armistice Remembrance Service at RCC Compiègne at the Club Memorial followed by dinner at RCC Compiègne.

Day 3, Saturday 24th October

Part Two of the festival at RCC Compiègne from 11am to 2.00pm. After lunch the festival continues from 2.30pm to 7pm. Presentations and dinner at RCC Compiègne.

Day 4, Sunday 25th October

Departure for homeward journey.

Extra activities and excursions

Browse a selection of our favourite activities and excursions.

The Museum of Occupation, Resistance and Deportation
The Armistice Clearing and Museum
Attend a ceremony at Mametz

This tells history from a perspective not taught in UK schools. Includes stories about the French Resistance, Occupation, Special Operations Executive, The Underground Railway (How Allied Aircrews were saved), and the Deportation to Dachau due to Tergnier being an important railhead.

The Clearing is the location marking the end of the First World War. The museum tour presents the evolution of the Armistice Memorial between 1918 to 1940.

On Sunday October 25th at 10.30am attend a ceremony at Mametz with the Welsh teams and enjoy a reception in the village. This is expected to finish at 12.30pm.

Where to stay

Popular places to stay.

Groups stay at the 2-star Hotel 2 Vallées in Thourette on the outskirts of Compiègne. It’s a 10-minute drive from the rugby club.

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FAQs

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Once your school sports tour is booked, it is safely in our hands. We will only ask for your assistance in understanding your specific requirements and you will be responsible for ensuring that the dates on our checklist are adhered to. During the process, we will also ask you to provide accurate student and teacher names, passport and dietary requirement details where appropriate.

We can include as many matches as you wish.

You will have your own bilingual sports tours rep for the whole of your tour. Their role is to coordinate your training/matches and activities/excursions and to ensure your stay is enjoyable, safe and memorable. All our reps are carefully selected, fully trained and are on duty 24 hours a day should an emergency arise.