THOUSANDS of young players and their supporters descended on the town centre’s sports pitches for the biggest one-day rugby festival in South Wales.

No less than 112 teams from 39 different clubs took part in the annual Monmouth Young Rugby Festival, with some 6,000 people visiting across the day.

After many months of organising, MonFest 2026 took place on Chippenham Field and the Sports Ground, with players from U7s to U16s and spectators able to bask in beautiful sunshine.

Monmouth Under 10 Sharks received their medals from Dragons star Dragons star Ryan Woodman
Monmouth Under 10 Sharks received their medals from Dragons star Ryan Woodman (Monmouth Young Rugby)

All players in U7s to U11s were awarded participation medals by former Wales U20 captain and current Dragons star Ryan Woodman, while U12s to U16s age groups saw competitive games played for Cup, Plate and Bowl.

All Monmouth teams in these age groups did incredibly well, particularly the U15s who won the Cup for the second year running.

The U16s played some great competitive rugby on a day which marked their last few games for Monmouth Young Rugby.

Monmouth Under 16s Tigers played some competitive rugby in their last Young Rugby games
Monmouth Under 16s Tigers played some competitive rugby in their last Young Rugby games (Monmouth Young Rugby)

Once again, the festival was fortunate to have Haberdashers’ Schools Monmouth as its main sponsor, this year joined by David James.

Local businesses also dug deep to support each age group from U7s right through to U16s.

David Lalley, Vice-Chairman of Monmouth Young Rugby, said: “Without the support of local businesses, it would be impossible to put on such a large-scale event for our young rugby players, we really are grateful to all our sponsors.

“The day itself saw 112 teams, from both Wales and England, attend our festival and we have received some fantastic feedback.

“And we have already started taking bookings for next year’s festival which will be on Sunday, April 25, 2027.”

Monmouth RFC chairman Andrew Davies added: “There was a great atmosphere on the day, the sun shone, and some fantastic rugby was on display.”

Monmouth Young Rugby has a thriving young rugby section from U6s right through to U16s, offering a safe, fun, and rewarding environment to play rugby.

Contact co-chairs Adam Fox-Graham or Jemma Lane-Mayo for further information via [email protected] or visit www.monmouthyoungrugby.co.uk

Teams can register their interest now for MonFest 2027 at [email protected]

Festival Sponsors: Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, David James, Daily Dose Cold Press Juice, Hunt Agri, KJR Transport, HCR Law, Cobrey Farms, Powells, Paul Jarrold Tyres, Pengethley Farm Shop, Treworgan Fields and Eagle Plant Hire.

You can also find Monmouth Young Rugby on Facebook and Instagram.