The 38th annual national schools rugby festival

The pinnacle of school rugby

There is no denying that the St Joseph’s College Rugby Festival, now in its 38th year, has cemented itself as one of the most prestigious sporting events in the school sport calendar. The calibre of school, standard of play and scale of event is certainly unrivalled across the country. As we continue to grow and develop the event, it really is a weekend for all to enjoy and one that will last long in the memory.

Fred Wenham, Director of Sport

Dates and times

  • U15 Tournament 9:00am – 4:30pm
  • Old Birkfeldian’s Match 6:00pm
  • 8.00am Gates open
  • 9.00am First game
  • 12.00pm Bar opens
  • 1.00pm VIP Lunch
  • 4.30pm Final game
  • 6.00pm Gates close
  • 8.00am Gates open
  • 9.00am First game
  • 12.00pm Bar opens
  • 1.00pm VIP lunch
  • 4.00pm Final
  • 4.30pm Trophy presentation
  • 5.00pm Gates close

Entry Prices

Tickets can be bought on the gate on each of the two Festival days:

Cars:
£10 per car or £15 for both days (booking for two days includes a Festival programme)

Walk-in:
£1 per person, group entry includes a Festival programme

We also offer our VIP Tickets which includes an exclusive dining experience overlooking the rugby pitches.

VIP Tickets

We invite you to join us in the new and exclusive VIP marquee, placed in prime position at the side of Pitch 1.

Come and enjoy the luxury of breakfast, a wonderful three-course lunch, a private bar and table service throughout the day. You can stay there all day with allocated seating or come in to refuel then head back out to watch the pinnacle of school boy rugby.

Special guest appearances, meet and greets, plus a Q&A session each day. Guests to be announced closer to the time. Fully heated inside for ultimate comfort plus an enclosed outdoor seating area to watch the match and get in on the action. With livestreaming of the matches on screens inside, it is definitely a luxurious way to enjoy the Festival.

 

FAQs

Can I bring dogs?

Unfortunately, as St Joseph’s College is a school, safety is of the utmost importance and whilst we are sure you will clear up after your precious pooches, it takes just one to make it unsafe for pupils.

Can I park on site?

We do have an onsite car park, it’s £10 per car or £15 for both days (booking for two days includes a Festival programme) and this can be paid on the day via the Goldrood entrance on Belstead Road.

Can I get food at the event?

We will be hosting a range of street food suppliers, all serving a variety of delicious options, such as Mac Street Kitchen, Suffolk Spice Kitchen, WoknRoll, Hadleigh Real Thai, Combat2Coffee, Jerk Chicken, Fish&Chips and more!

Travelling to St Joseph’s

Conveniently located just one mile from Ipswich Railway Station, the College and all its facilities sit within 60 acres of beautiful, spacious parkland.

Close to the A12 and A14, St Joseph’s College serves commuters well. It is an hour away from London and Cambridge by train, and with Heathrow Airport just two hours away by car, it is ideally suited for international families.

With a network of St Joseph’s College’s minibus servicing Essex and Suffolk as well as a daily shuttle service to and from the train station, everything is done to ensure a student’s journey to school is as easy as possible.

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