Ben at the Ghent and Hilversum Rugby Festivals

Ben at the Ghent and Hilversum Rugby Festivals

My latest European adventure with MSG Tours was both the most challenging and the most rewarding trip I’ve taken so far.

Visiting the Ghent and Hilversum rugby tournaments back-to-back for the first time made the experience even more special – these are events that will stay firmly marked in the calendar for years to come.

This wasn’t a simple tournament visit. The journey began in Dover and took me across three countries, multiple forms of public transport, and most importantly, plenty of time spent with our fantastic touring teams.

I kicked off my tour with Newbridge Vikings RFC in Dover ahead of their tour to Lille. I joined them for the ferry crossing to Calais. After arriving in France, we completed the journey to Lille and checked into the hotel. I spent my evening exploring the city. I created a walking route on Google Maps to make sure I didn’t miss anything – a method I’d use in every city I visit. It turned out to be the perfect way to take everything in and get a real feel for each place.

The following day started early. After saying goodbye to the group at breakfast, I squeezed in a few more sights before heading to Lille Flandres station for my train to Ghent. I boarded a direct train and arrived at Gent-Dampoort around midday. I met Blackwood RFC U16 later that day. Surprisingly, their coach pulled up at the same time as I arrived, thanks to an earlier ferry crossing. After helping them check in, I set off on another self-guided walking tour, visiting highlights such as Gravensteen Castle, Saint Michael’s Bridge, and the canals, before finishing the day at a lovely restaurant by the water.

Saturday marked the first of the two main events: the Ghent Rugby Festival. I accompanied Blackwood RFC, joining 15 other teams across two age groups. Among them was Glynneath RFC U18, another MSG Tours group staying in nearby Antwerp. The tournament was a great opportunity to connect with clubs, meet the organisers, and see some fantastic rugby. Each team played at least four matches, ensuring a full and enjoyable day for everyone involved. That evening, I made my way to Gent Sint-Pieters station and caught a train to Amsterdam, ready for the second major event.

The next morning, I met Senghenydd RFC U16 at their hotel before travelling to Hilversum. As soon as I arrived, it was clear why this is considered Europe’s premier youth rugby tournament. With 69 teams across seven age groups and over 2,500 attendees, the scale and organisation were incredibly impressive. I spent the day speaking with clubs about their touring experiences, capturing content, and watching Senghenydd secure an impressive third-place finish in their age group. It is a must-do tour for any youth rugby side.

My final day gave me the chance to explore Amsterdam at my own pace. I visited landmarks such as the NEMO Science Museum and the Rijksmuseum and even managed a trip to the Johan Cruyff ArenA – where I couldn’t resist picking up a discounted Ajax home shirt. Eventually, I headed to Amsterdam Centraal for my Eurostar back to Derby via London. Despite a two-hour delay that saw me return to Derby at 2 am, the trip was absolutely worth it.

Looking back, the tour was a huge success and a valuable experience for my continued professional development. With two teams already booked for next year’s tournaments and plans to grow that number significantly, I’m already looking forward to returning in 2027.

Contact me via WhatsApp at 07300233421 to explore a tour to Ghent or Hilversum for your club.