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During the weekend we ventured over to the Isle of Islay. We had been invited there by my friend and colleague Ian Stuart and his wife Caroline to watch the Annual Beach Rugby Competition -“Eat Sand”.

The rules of Islay Beach Rugby are as follows-

“Field Dimensions

The size of a Beach Rugby field depends on the decision of the league. The field is between 30-50 meters long, 20-35 meters, wide, and the in-goals are 3-7 meters deep. There are no goalposts on the field, and the lines are usually marked with some sort of tape or rope.

Number of Players

Depending on the league and the field size, either 5 or 7 players are allowed on the field for one team at once. Between 3 and 7 reserves are allowed, again, depending on the league. Substitutions are often done “on-the-fly,” similar to ice hockey or futsal.

The Ball

A standard rugby ball is used, but many leagues will use a size 4 ball instead of size 5, the size used in all levels of field rugby above youth. A rugby ball is ellipsoidal in shape, made of synthetic leather panels that have small dimples to enhance handling.

Scoring

Most leagues use a “one try, one point” scoring system, since there are no goalposts on the field. Occasionally, a sudden-death extra time period is used to resolve matches drawn at the end of regulation, but not all leagues use this rule.

Timing

Leagues use either two 5 or 7 minute halves (with a 1 or 3 minute interval for halftime) as the length of a single match. Extra time may be played if the league calls for it.

*Beer and Whiskey must be available at all times”.

Extract from islaybeachrugby.com

As you can see, Beach Rugby is slightly different to conventional Rugby Union and League (more on a par with my own invented game of Snow-Blade rugby). It was a fabulous day out- rugby, beach, sun and a brilliant after party with super company. This event is a definte must for any rugby fan.

On Sunday Ian and Caroline gave us a tour of the Island and it’s fabulous scenery; rugged hillside with wild goats, white sandy beaches with turquoise sea- just beautiful. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to visit any of the famous Distilleries; however that is just one excuse to return- we will certainly be back!

I would like to thank Ian, Caroline and their friends for their outstanding hospitality. Hopefully we can reciprocate during the Edinburgh Festival.

Photo credits: Douglas