The majority of the TJ U9s finished their rugby season at the end of April after 8 months of training and festivals, but a group of 16 kids from the U9s embarked on their first rugby tour along with other TJ teams from across the minis section.

This year the TJ minis took part in Tigers Challenge Minehead, the biggest youth rugby festival of its kind in the UK with c200 teams taking part. It turned out to be a great venue with fantastic pitches laid out at nearby schools and colleges, the beach on our doorstep and a variety of activities to keep kids and parents entertained, fed, and watered at Butlins.

The U9s had 2 teams, the TJ Tornados and the TJ Titans. The first day was a set of group stages with each team having 3 games in the morning giving the kids their 60 minutes quota of permitted game time. The games were intense, but the teams faired well against their international opponents including some strong Welsh sides.

The Tornadoes played, Towcestrians RFC, Swansea RFC and Cwmbran RFC. Showing great defensive spirit and running in many tries. They finished 3rd in their group at the end of day 1. The Titans faired slightly better in their group finishing second after playing Tondu RFC, Gibraltar Rugby and Ealing Trailfinders RFC.

After a tiring morning of rugby, the kids and their families were able to relax in the afternoon, taking in the beach, the water slides and cheering on siblings in other age groups.

In the evening the tour festivities centred around fancy dress with all teams taking part, it was a spectacle around the Butlins site with rugby clubs dressing up as Cops & Robbers, Grannies, Farmers, Aliens, Where’s Wally, Dinosaurs, Soldiers, and many more fabulous outfits. It generated a wonderful carnival atmosphere.

On day 2, the groups were rebalanced allowing the TJ Titans and Tornadoes to play similar opposition. The Tornadoes took on Old Allenians RFC, Ealing Trailfinders RFC and Harlequins! They were amazing and finished second in their group just missing out on top spot. The Titans ended up finishing 3rd in their group. They put on an amazing display against some very strong Welsh opponents.

It was great to see how the kids showed true grit and determination in defence, their tackling was fantastic along with their teamwork and sportsmanship. In attack, all players showed their desire to score tries with kids running in multiple tries, some direct, some by running great lines, some as a result of brilliant support play. What stood out was how their confidence and teamwork improved as they went through their games.

The Tiger Challenge finale was a large presentation full of glitz and glamour, the kids loved the loud intro and light display. Lewis Moody was highlight for the parents. It was great to see the kids and coaches up on stage receiving their medals and trophy in front of 100s of spectators.

In all, a fantastic weekend and a lifelong memory for the kids and parents.

The dates are already in the calendar for 2026, with TJ Minis participating in the Tiger Challenge at Butlins Bognor Regis. Please speak to your coaches about signing up.