Rugby Tour Costs Explained

Planning a rugby tour involves a lot more elements than what a club treasurer could possibly anticipate. Therefore, it is important to know what makes up the bill.

Flights and Group Transport

For most Rugby Tours the largest single cost will be the Group Flights. If you can depart midweek (i.e. Tuesday or Wednesday) as opposed to the weekend you can save £50 to £100 per person. Also make sure you check your Group Air Travel Rights and Costs before booking your flights, especially if you are looking to cancel as the terms for scheduled group fares as opposed to charter flights can vary greatly.

Accommodation Choices

In terms of cost, Bed and Breakfast is generally cheaper than Half Board, but if you have a large group, Half Board can work out to be better value as you can work out the cost of evening meals for your squad of 30. The cost of 3 star hotels in provincial French or Spanish towns are generally £60-£90 per person per night, whereas city centre hotels in larger destinations can cost a lot more.

Fixture and Match-Day Fees

The cost of a fixture for an amateur club will typically be a nominal sum to cover their costs, e.g. £100 to £250. Clubs with Development or Academy sides who play as their third team (i.e. third team in the Saturday afternoon slot) may charge more for a fixture, and in some cases they may expect the visiting team to travel to their ground for a reciprocal fixture. The cost of referees and other match officials can also vary between countries, but a rough estimate would be £50 to £150.

Meals and Hospitality

Even more importantly, post match hospitality at the home team’s club house or restaurant is a highlight of any rugby tour. This is usually a shared meal where the squad will be expected to pay around £20 to £35 per person for their meal. Occasionally this meal is included in the fixture fee with the home team’s club secretary paying for the welcome dinner. It is always best to check this before booking the tour.

Insurance and Admin

Remember, tour insurance is a must and is typically around £15 to £30 per person. The admin fees charged by tour operators are included within the package price of most UK & Europe Rugby Tours.

Group Size and Per-Head Cost

A larger group of players also means that your fixed costs can be spread, for example a coach hire, a block hotel booking, and the cost of fixture fees will be the same whether you travel with 25 players or 40, thus the per head cost will decrease with more players.

Get a clear breakdown of costs to avoid being hit with surprise bills on the tour.