European beach rugby returns to Villajoyosa this weekend with international teams set for action

Villajoyosa will welcome some of Europe’s best beach rugby players this weekend as the European Beach Rugby Series returns to the town’s Central Beach on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.

With free admission for spectators, the two-day sporting event promises fast-paced action on the sand as teams from across Europe compete for valuable championship points in one of the continent’s premier beach rugby competitions.

The tournament is the only European Beach Rugby Series event held in Spain that is officially recognised by the European Beach Rugby Association, making it a significant fixture on the 2026 calendar.

International line-up

A total of 10 men’s teams and five women’s teams will take part, representing Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Georgia.

The men’s competition includes Les Minots (France), Wild Porks (Italy), Celtibéricos (Spain), Costaleños (Spain), The Rockets (Italy), Aragvelebi (Georgia), Virginia Vipers (Ireland), Bula Bula (Italy), Dénia Barbarians (Spain) and local side Costa Blanca La Vila.

In the women’s tournament, Sport Club do Porto (Portugal), Queen Bees (France), Celtibéricas (Spain), Horta Valencia (Spain) and Costa Blanca La Vila (Spain) will battle for honours.

Matches will be officiated by referees from the Valencian Community Rugby Federation.

Official European championship event

All games will be played under the official “Rugby 5” format approved by Rugby Europe, the governing body for the sport across the continent.

The Villajoyosa tournament forms part of the 2026 European Beach Rugby Series, with teams earning points towards the overall European Championship standings. The final championship positions are determined by each team’s three best results across the season.

This year’s series began with tournaments in Belgium, France, Portugal and the Netherlands before arriving on the Costa Blanca. After Villajoyosa, the competition continues in Italy, Austria and Poland before concluding with the European Final in Magna Graecia, southern Italy, later this month.

Villajoyosa’s growing reputation

Villajoyosa has become an established venue on the European beach rugby circuit, having successfully hosted the 2025 European Final. Although this year’s championship decider has moved to Italy, the Costa Blanca town remains one of the key stops on the international calendar.

The event is expected to attract players, coaches and supporters from across Europe, providing a lively atmosphere on Central Beach while showcasing Villajoyosa as a destination for international sporting events.

The European Beach Rugby Series in Villajoyosa is supported by Villajoyosa City Council, the Generalitat Valenciana, Alicante Provincial Council, the Valencian Community Rugby Federation and the Spanish Rugby Federation.

With sunshine, sea views and elite sporting competition, spectators can enjoy a weekend of international rugby free of charge on one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular beaches.