The 2009 Islay Beach Rugby festival takes place on Saturday 13th June on Port Ellen’s strand.

The tournament has fast become one of the highlights of the Islay and Scottish rugby calendar, attracting teams from increasingly far a field - even an English Premier league side.

The growing reputation of the event has led to increasingly prestigious teams travelling to the island - but that may be just for the whisky. Teams from Scotland, England and Ireland, as well as Islay distilleries, the forces, universities and mainland clubs will compete in the sporting spectacle. Ulster will be making the journey over again, and this year a team from premier league club Sale will be taking part.

Such is the appeal of  the  humble Islay Beach Rugby  that legendary British Lion, Ian “Mighty Mouse” McLauchlan, actually delayed joining the British & Irish Lions tour in South Africa in order to attend. McLauchlin played in eight Tests for the British Lions - in New Zealand in 1971 and South Africa in 1974. He had become a key player in the only Lions side to come home unbeaten – perhaps the best-ever Lions side.

Other Scottish rugby legends attending include ex British Lions Rob Wainwright, Derek Turnbull, Gregor Townsend and Doddie Weir. Scottish rugby stars Gareth Armstrong, Rod Macfarlane, Ian Morrison and several others will also be playing. The relaxed atmosphere, and in keeping with the ethos of rugby, means these great sportsmen are highly approachable and amenable. and have some great stories to tell about touring with the Lions.

20 teams have been invited to play. Each one consists of 5 players, with up to 5 reserves, compete with a standard rugby ball on a sand pitch of only 25 by 20 metres, without goalposts - there is no kicking (of the ball). Scoring is "one try, one point" with matches comprising of two, frenetic, 4 minute halves of full contact rugby, combining the verve and skill of sevens with the impact of fifteens. It’s very competitive, played at great speed which is exhausting to play as it is to watch. This is high octane rugby.

http://islaybeachrugby.com <http://islaybeachrugby.com>

2009 teams taking part: Stirling University, Ardbeg Distillery, 5 Regiment AAC, Bishopton, Glasgow Academicals, Islay 1, Islay 2, Kilchoman Distillery, Loch Lomond, Moffat, Strathendrick, Bruichladdich Distillery, Dumfries, Lochaber, Knutsford, Edinburgh Academicals and Sale. There is also a ladies tournament.

Kick Off is at noon on Saturday 13th June and play continues until around 18.00 hours. All are welcome to come along for what is a great family day out in a beautiful setting, with great craic.  While spectators and girlfriends picnic, kids run in and out of the sea,  hard-fought sport is thrown in for free!