The post How a Beach Rugby Team Saved a Club appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>1.When and how was the Juromenha Beach Rugby team formed?
The current Beach Rugby team of the Juromenha Rugby Club made its debut at the 2021 Torneo de Rugby Playa de Cadiz, which was held in that Spanish city on July 17, 2021.
The formation of this team was the idea of the Club’s President, Paulo Jaleco, who, seeing that the Club was inactive and almost heading towards extinction, challenged his son Pedro to form an invitational team to participate in the “off-season,” representing the Juromenha Rugby Club. It was like a return to the origins, as the Club, founded in 1997, had as its initial goal to be a club of guests, friends of Rugby, who came together to practice their chosen sport and promote the name of the small village of Juromenha.
The Cadiz Tournament was then chosen, where Pedro Jaleco had participated the previous year, representing CR Atlético Portuense.
Invitations were sent out, and thus the first “Barbos” team was formed, as it became known, which included some sons of former Club players.
The participation ended up being a success at all levels, because in addition to winning the Tournament, in a very close final against Cisneros of Madrid, the atmosphere was unforgettable, laying the foundations for the creation of the team.
2.Participation in international tournaments seemed to be your main focus from the beginning. What led to this decision?
The Cadiz Tournament, where we debuted, was part of the Spanish Series, which were divided into several stages along the country’s vast coastline.
We found it interesting to participate in these Series, and it was a good thing we did, as we ended up winning them in the following 2 years, which gave us the title of Spanish Beach Rugby Champions in 2022 and 2023, which was quite ironic, a Portuguese club becoming champion of Spain…
Participation in International Tournaments is naturally related to the objectives associated with the creation of the team, in which, in addition to playing Rugby, the camaraderie among everyone, the search for other places, and, as already mentioned, taking the name of our Club around the world, has always been prioritized.
Basically, continuing the history of travel, well rooted in the Club’s past.
3.What are the criteria for selecting athletes for the Juromenha Beach Rugby team?
The main criteria is friendship.
Each Barbo can propose new members for the Club. Everyone knows that when proposed by a Barbo, they will meet the necessary conditions to integrate into the group. And there have been no failures. Currently, we have 75 athletes who have worn the Barbos jersey, coming from a wide variety of Portuguese clubs and some foreign ones, who are like a family
4.You participated in the Figueira Beach Rugby tournament for the first time in 2025. How would you describe the experience?
As expected, it was fantastic.
For some reason, it’s considered the best Beach Rugby tournament in Europe.
It brings together everything we look for: good rugby, lots of fun, and exemplary organization. We had been trying to participate for a few years, but due to scheduling difficulties and also because we have some players who represent one of the tournament’s regulars, Piranhas do Almansor, it hadn’t been possible yet.
We did it at the right time. We didn’t manage to win, but reaching the final was already a noteworthy result
Just out of curiosity, the Juromenha Rugby Club had already participated in the 2012 edition with a veterans’ team.
5.In August, the team represented Portugal in the European Beach Rugby Championship organized by Rugby Europe, becoming European champions. What was that like?
It’s indescribable.
Having the honor of representing our country in an official Rugby Europe competition and winning the European title is something none of the participants will ever forget. We will all cherish that event in our memories, which is, without a doubt, the most significant moment in our Club’s history.
Playing the final in the completely packed Orange Arena, with over 1000 people, against the home team, was thrilling!
6.What are the plans for the future of Juromenha Beach Rugby? Will we see each other again in Figueira in 2026?
Continue keeping this family united, participate in various tournaments, travel, and take the name of Juromenha around the world through Rugby and under the motto of friendship.
The plans are to continue doing what we have been doing so far.
Regarding Figueira Beach 2026, we will definitely participate.
Follow “The Barbos” Team on their Official Instagram Account
JOIN THE #BeachRugbyadness
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]]>The post Rio Beach Rugby … Beachs 5s Around the World appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>1. How did Rio Beach Rugby come about?
Rio Beach Rugby was born in 2006 in an unpretentious way: an Italian team visited Rio in the summer. To welcome them, Rio Rugby invited local clubs for a small tournament. The response was so incredible that we never stopped!
Since then, every January we have organized the event, which continues to grow, quickly including the women’s category and attracting teams from all over South America and the world. What started as hospitality has become the biggest beach rugby event in the Americas!
2. Tell us a little about the event, the location, and the atmosphere experienced during it.
Imagine playing rugby with Cristo Redentor watching over you and a cold caipirinha waiting for you on the sand. Rio Beach Rugby takes place in the heart of the Rio summer, on Copacabana Beach – Brazil’s most iconic postcard. Under a strong sun and blue sky, the tournament officially marks the beginning of the Brazilian rugby season, but it’s much more than that: it’s a celebration of our culture, our sport, and the joy of Rio. The atmosphere is unique – competitive during the games, but between matches you have music, golden sand between your toes, and that pre-Carnival energy that only Rio provides. Players, former players, families, and curious onlookers mingle in a relaxed atmosphere of camaraderie.
It’s quality rugby with a Brazilian soul – serious competition without losing the lightheartedness of life. For European teams escaping the harsh January winter, it’s the perfect combination: start the second part of your season under 35°C of pure rugby!
3. In 2026 you will celebrate the 20th edition of the event, something quite significant. What does reaching 20 years of the event represent for the organization?
Completing 20 years since that first unassuming encounter with the Italian squadra is a source of great pride. Rio Beach Rugby has evolved from a local event into a consolidated tournament on the national and South American calendars, with high-level games, international clubs, and an unparalleled party on the sands of the world’s most famous beach!
2026 is not just a celebration of the past, it’s a celebration of our future: we want to transform this event into a movement capable of attracting more interest to rugby in Brazil and beach rugby globally. We want to show the true spirit of rugby: the celebration of fun and friendships on and off the field.
Our first 20 years were incredible. The next 20 will be legendary!
4. Are there any new features planned for this edition?
2026 will be our most epic edition. We are preparing many surprises to celebrate 20 years in style! We’ve partnered with one of the world’s biggest rugby brands (to be revealed soon) and are doubling down on music, entertainment, and unique experiences for athletes, staff, and the public. We’ll be harnessing the Carnival spirit that will be taking over the city – the street parties will already be in full swing when the tournament takes place!
Follow @riobeachrugby for weekly announcements until January!
5. How many teams are expected to participate? Are they all Brazilian or are there also international teams?
We expect 24 teams (men’s and women’s), with capacity for 32 teams. Mostly Brazilian, but we’ve already confirmed Germany and are finalizing deals with South American teams.
But we want to see more European teams on our sands! Our special call to European teams: while you face low temperatures and gray weather in January, here it’s summer, beach, and party – the perfect time to escape winter and start the second half of the season with vitamin D!
Special packages for international teams – accommodation, transfers, city activities, and even a Carnival experience: riorugbybrasil@gmail.com
6. During these 20 years, what are the main challenges the event has faced?
As an event in one of the world’s most iconic locations, during peak season, we have faced logistical challenges in the past. Today we have a solid institutional partnership with the Rio de Janeiro administration, guaranteeing the continuity and growth of the event.
We also maintain strict standards of conduct – Rio Beach Rugby celebrates the values of rugby above all else, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
7. What is the current state of Beach Rugby in Brazil? Do you have other relevant tournaments? Is there any synergy between the organizations?
Brazilian beach rugby has enormous potential – we are leading this movement.
We have extensive coastlines and clubs that train on the sands from north to south, but many have not yet experienced the full experience of a Beach Rugby event. We want to change that and bring teams from all regions to face international teams and celebrate while we sunbathe and drink caipirinhas! Other to Beach rugby is growing across Brazil – the more beach rugby, the better! Our main contact is with Beach Rugby Ilhabela, played on a paradisiacal island on the north coast of São Paulo, which will be 18 years old in 2026.
8. Has the Rio Beach Rugby organization been following the evolution of Figueira Beach Rugby? What is your vision for the event from Brazil?
Figueira Beach Rugby is our star in the north – and we are building its South American version, with tropical energy.
Figueira has mastered the perfect balance: a competitive and organized tournament without losing focus on fun and a unique experience. We are inspired by this for Rio Beach Rugby 2026.
We have begun implementing lessons learned from you in the organization of Rio Beach Rugby 2026 to achieve this same level of competitive excellence and experience. Our ambition is clear: to offer the quality and organization that you provide, adding a unique Brazilian flavor: 35°C heat, pre-Carnival energy, and Carioca hospitality.
Just imagine: playing Figueira in June, Rio Beach Rugby in January – a full beach rugby calendar for teams that take the sport seriously! Let’s build this bridge between our continents and strengthen the global beach rugby community.
9. Can we dream of your visit soon?
It’s past time to make this dream a reality and witness #BeachRugbyMadness in person! We have to make this visit happen as soon as possible – will 2026 be the year?
10. How would you like to see Rio Beach Rugby in the future?
Our vision is to transform Rio Beach Rugby into the hub that connects the South American beach rugby scene with the global scene. We want to transform this event into a global movement. A movement to spread rugby culture throughout Brazil and the world.
Our goal by 2031:
64+ times
20,000 live spectators throughout the weekend
Established reference on the global beach rugby calendar
Establishing partnerships with major world tournaments (including Figueira!)
We work hard to make Rio Beach Rugby the natural choice for clubs in the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy the summer playing quality rugby and having fun like never before, and for teams in the Northern Hemisphere to escape the winter and start the second half of the season with vitamin D and the best cultural experience Brazil has to offer.
We have all the ingredients: the most famous beach in the world (Copacabana), the most famous party in the world (Carnival), Brazilian hospitality, and a dedicated team that works all year round to deliver this unique experience.
11. A message to the global community of Beach Rugby enthusiasts.
Only those who have played beach rugby understand – and you deserve to experience it in Rio.
All of us who have played in a beach rugby tournament know that special feeling: intense days running on the sand under a strong sun and a tired body, but leaving the tournament with a renewed passion for our sport, our culture, and our community. It’s something that can’t be explained – it’s lived.
Over the course of competitive seasons, we forget that what makes rugby unique isn’t scrums, rucks, line-outs, or perfect kicks. It’s the incredible people in our community, the values we share, and the magical moments with our best friends. The memories we carry from a rugby career aren’t the brilliant plays, but the fun times with clubmates, the fantastic (and exaggerated!) stories of adventures on our tours, and the moments in the after-game where we are our lightest and most authentic selves, without fear of judgment.
We’re going crazy organizing a beach rugby tournament for you – for our global community of beach rugby enthusiasts! So, my three final messages:
1. Participate in MORE beach rugby tournaments! Play rugby like always, have fun like never before!
2. Come to Rio Beach Rugby at least once in your life! Celebrate in one of the most vibrant places in the world, make lifelong friends on this side of the Atlantic, and understand why Rio is the Marvelous City!
3. 2026 is THE year! 20 years, special energy, Carnival in the streets, unprecedented partnerships – don’t leave for next year what you can already do in 2026!
Registration open | Limited spots!!! For more information:
Contact: riorugbybrasil@gmail.com | +55 21 96457-6591 | instagram.com/riobeachrugby
Special Packages for International Teams: accommodation, transfers, tournament entry and other attractions in Rio.
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]]>The post Snow Rugby Tarvisio Interview appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>We catch up with Cesar Zambelli an expert on both codes and deeply involved with the SRT organization looking for a deep insight on what Snow Rugby in general and SRT in particular are all about !
1. How did Snow Rugby Tarvisio start and what´s the event all about ?
The first edition of SRT dates back to 2013 as a spin-off of the “brother” beach rugby, which this year sees both versions of rugby with the same rules. In fact, Alberto Stentardo – the indigenous founder – drew inspiration by watching beach rugby matches in Lignano to bring the same game to the snow and improve the tournament format. Now, SRT is the largest adult rugby tournament in Italy and certainly the most famous and largest snow rugby tournament in the world.
2. Tell us a bit about where the event is held .
The tournament takes place in Tarvisio, one of the winter tourist destinations in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, right on the border with Slovenia and Austria. An “international” corner where a group of former rugby players have fun “breaking the mold” with innovative ideas. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Municipality of Tarvisio are crucial partners that have believed in the sport as a “calling card” for tourism from the very beginning. A perfect match.
3. How many teams usually participate in the event and from where they come from ?
Great question! The last edition in January 2025 nearly reached 50 participating teams, and statistically, over 50% of the teams came from abroad. We expect to break records again in the upcoming edition. For fun and curiosity, we’ve always tracked not only the teams’ origins but also the players’ nationalities. In previous years, teams have come from 17 different countries (Tunisia, USA, Russia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland, France, England, and Iran). The athletes, however, have represented 36 different nationalities, including Tibet, Hong Kong, and Tonga
4. What kind of challenges do you face when organizing a snow rugby event ?
Our goal is to keep improving the tournament, but above all, we aim to combine the camaraderie of rugby with the thrill of après-ski. It’s a winning formula that creates an unforgettable experience!
5. In your opinion what kind of role versions of the game like Beach and Snow Rugby can play in the rugby global scene ?
Shake things up! The beach boys have brought their vibe to the mountains, and while change can be daunting, our revolution is all about fun and excitement. And that’s what innovation in sports is all about!
6. Any message you would like to share to all who might be interested in joining the 2026 Snow Rugby Tarvisio edition ?
“Try white and you will never come back right” …. …never return as the same person. Get ready for fun, rugby, and new friends, with a dash of madness.
Check Snow Rugby Tarvisio Website and Instagram
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]]>The post Get to Know Rugby Culture appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>1. What’s Rugby Culture and who´s behind the brand / project?
Rugby Culture is the clothing brand made for ruggers by ruggers. our goal is to make (rugby) clothing that fits perfectly for all the different sizes you can find on a rugby pitch.
Our mission is to grow and unite the rugby culture world wide.
2. What Rugby Culture stands for?
Rugby Culture’s values are similar to those we value on the pitch: Hard Work, discipline, quality, and innovation.
We test all our items for a year at minimum, to discover any improvements, we also take the feedback of our customers to heart, so we can become the best clothing brand.
3. How did you know about Figueira Beach Rugby and what motivated you to team up with the event ?
I heard a lot about it back home from teams that had visited and loved it. So I had to reach out and I was welcomed in a kind and professional matter.
4. How was your experience at the event last summer ?
it was amazing, a true rugby culture atmosphere, good laughs, people playing rugby (ofcourse), dancing, partying and there even was a proposal on the main pitch!
5. What Beach Rugby means for you ?
Beach Rugby for us means fun, sunshine and vacation.
6. What lies for Rugby Culture in future ?
Our goal is to expand and to create the bet attire for rugby players so they feel comfortable, look good and are proud to represent the sport and the culture.
7. Will we see you in Figueira next June ?
If you guys will have us, definitely!
Check Rugby Culture on its Instagram and Website
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]]>The post 2025 Edition Best Photos appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>What´s the best way to do it, other than going through the selection of photos we handipcked for you ?!
Check the best 35 photos from our talented photographers Luís Cabelo , João Serpa , José António Fernandes , Cristina Santos , Laurent Lupini .
KEEP TUNNED IN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
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]]>The post What´s Ahead appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>In 2025 the record of teams in the event will be broken again. 64 teams overall. 40 men and 24 women teams will come together in Figueira to celebrate the #BeachRugbyMadness Vibes.
In its 15th edition Figueira Beach Rugby will host some of the most iconic Beach Rugby teams as well as a lot of new teams which have decided to give a try in the most exciting format of the game.
If the competitive side of the tournament is something we really value, it´s not a lie that we value as much if not more, the social side of the tournament.
The Good Vibes of Friendship and Camaraderie are something very important for us as organisers. The world is definitely in much need of love and empathy, so that´s the reason we thrive so much to create such a good atmosphere amongst all who decide to join our community of #BeachRuggers.
Music and Party are two ingredients we definitely think are key to achieve the state of sharing, kindness and togetherness so characteristic of the event.
Live music will start on both days at around 3pm, followed by our DJ duo responsible for throwing some of the most iconic sunset parties you will ever experience. Some Brazilian vibes are also expected with the Samba crew sending out some Tunes. For the ones who still have some fuel left to burn, NB Club welcomes you with open arms all night long!
Don´t forget our suggested Theme for the Tournament “Peace and Love” .
We really wanna to create something special for 2025 we count on you and your teammates to make it real !!!
Keep Tunned in our Facebook and Instagram pages for more Updates about what´s seems to be the best FBR edition ever!!!!
The post What´s Ahead appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>The post 2025 THEME appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>We want to effectively contribute for a 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 , through the positive energy generated during the Figueira Beach Rugby, ensuring all who join the beach rugby madness community an experience for life, where the most important thing is 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, to 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 and share the 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 !!
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]]>The post 15 FBR ICONIC PHOTOS appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
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The 15th Figueira Beach Rugby edition will take place on the 28th and 29th June 2025!
Don´t Miss the Opportunity to take part of a lifetime adventure!
Join the #BeachRugbyMadness NOW
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]]>The post Hall Of Fame Attendances appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>We started Figueira Beach Rugby first as a dream which many didn´t believe, to becoming the most iconic European Beach Rugby Festival. But we didn´t this alone. Besides all the people and entities who backed us up over all these years, nothing would ever been possible without the teams! Without the love of all the wonderful bunch of #BeachRuggers from all over the world, we wouldn´t have reached this point.
Some of them have been with us since the first edition, such as Académica de Coimbra (Men) and Agrária de Coimbra (Women), and many others stayed with us for many many years.
Check below our Attendances Hall of Fame !
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]]>The post All Time Winners appeared first on Figueira Beach Rugby.
]]>How many different teams have won the event so far and how many nations were represented ?
For such an international event, hosting every year more than 50 teams from 10 different nations you would expect to see many different teams and nations winning the tournament. Well, that´s not what we have witnessed over the years. Portugal and France are by fair the nations more represented on the highest position of the podium, with 26 out of the 28 overall 1st places. Only Netherlands broke this trend getting 2 1st places.
Breaking down these figures, we see that the dominance of teams is a little bit more diverse with 7 teams winning the men competition and 6 the women competition.
On the men side, Les Minots (FR) have 5 titles on their belt followed by Ovale Beach Marseille (FR) 3 titles, GD Direito (PT) 2 titles and Jagerbombers (PT), AAC (PT), Belenenses (PT) and Academia Pedro Leal (PT) all with only one title each.
On the women side, Agrária Rugby (PT) with 4 wins is the team with more titles, followed by Benfica (PT) and Sport Rugby (PT) both with 3 titles, Dolphins 7 (FR) with 2 titles, Putain Nanas (FR) and Jagerbombers (NL) with one title only each!
Will the 2025 Figueira Beach Rugby Edition tell us a different story ?!
Join the most Iconic European Beach Rugby Festival and Find Out !
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