The Legends Rugby Festival

The ethos of the Legends Rugby Festival is to ensure that the spirit of rugby lives on and in South West London on one of the hottest days of the year, past, present and future rugby legends came together to celebrate the game and compete for a spot of silverware.

After the success of the 2013 tournament, the stage was set for a roaring 2014 event. There were three competitive leagues plus the elite Legends' League and in front of hundreds of spectators all four competitions showcased fast-paced and extremely competitive rugby. In twenty six degree heat blood was drawn, muscles screamed and the calls for sets of new lungs could be heard throughout the day!

At the elite level Saracens, Harlequins, London Irish, London Welsh, Leicester Tigers, London Wasps, London Scottish, Gloucester, and Bristol all battled against each other for the Paladin Legends Trophy.

Last year’s winners Saracens didn't quite reach the same heights – they were missing a couple of key play makers and did not make it out of the group stages. Their London rivals Harlequins once again put in a strong display and finished as runners up.

Mike Friday led a spirited Wasps charge and Paul Sackey ran out for multiple teams; however, all in all it was Leicester’s day. The Tigers played with eye-watering intensity and romped to victory thanks, largely to the tenacious duo - Lewis Moody and Sam Vesty. Both men looked extremely comfortable on the pitch and as if they hadn't actually retired yet!

One of the Legends Festival organisers, the former Leicester and Gloucester winger Leon Lloyd, couldn't keep the smile off his face, calling the day “a huge success” and praising the Legends team for their “phenomenal organization” involved in the day.

The Festival was packed with well-known faces, the aforementioned players were joined by many others on the pitch; however, there were a few legends that preferred to spectate and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Two such individuals were Brian Moore and Neil Back, neither fancied dusting off their boots, both used the phrase 'never again' and they were equally united in their praise for the event.

Neil summed it up perfectly when he said “it is fantastic to be able to come here and catch up with all your old team-mates, it’s a great day out I'm here with my son and couldn't think of a better way to spend the day”. 

Once the final whistle of the final game had blown the Festival continued long into the night with spectators, players and legends all re-hydrating and being entertained by some superb live music.

The Legends festival will be back next year, no doubt, with even more teams and even larger crowds. There are also plans to take the Festival to an International level in 2015 and with the eyes of the world on rugby, there isn't a better time to do so.

There's no doubt that if it is as successful as this year's event then it will be a great asset to the sport befitting of such an important year for rugby.