Teams from across the UK and Europe are returning to London Irish Amateur Rugby Club for an exciting weekend of world-class girls’ rugby, celebrating skill, spirit and sisterhood at the Middlesex Emeralds International Girls Festival 2026.

Supported by Middlesex Rugby, the festival will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2026, bringing together 20 different clubs with over 50 visiting teams and over 550 players for two action-packed days of competitive and development rugby.

The U12–U14 festival will take place on Saturday 18th April, with U16–U18 teams competing on Sunday 19th April. First matches will kick off at 10:00am on both days.

Among the returning teams are the 2025 Surrey Waterfall Cup winners – the U14 cluster squad featuring players from London Irish, Reeds and Vandals – alongside visiting sides travelling from across the UK, Ireland and Germany.

Girls’ rugby continues to experience a surge in popularity, fuelled by the success of the England women's national rugby union team and record-breaking attendance and viewership figures at the Women's Rugby World Cup. The growth of the women’s game has inspired a new generation of players to take up the sport, building confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships.

Festival organisers say the event is about more than competition.

“The Middlesex Emeralds Festival showcases the very best of girls’ rugby – teamwork, respect and ambition,” said Chris Kane, London Irish Club President. “We are proud to provide a platform where young athletes can challenge themselves, make friends from across the UK and Europe, and experience the excitement of a truly international event with teams travelling from all over Europe to join us.”

“Our goal for this festival is to show that rugby is a game for everyone, offering a safe empowering space where girls can build confidence, friendships and strength, that last long after the final whistle. We want to prove that passion and talent have no gender and this event is a celebration of the future of the sport.” added Mark McKenna, lead coach for the U16s girls’ team at London Irish.

The festival provides an opportunity to:
• Celebrate rugby union at all levels
• Engage families and the wider community
• Promote inclusion and participation
• Attract new players and supporters to the sport

Special guests and potential high-profile supporters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Spectators are warmly invited to attend and support the teams across the weekend, with food, refreshments and family-friendly activities available on site.
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Event Details
Event: Middlesex Emeralds International Girls Festival 2026
Dates: Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th April 2026
Venue: London Irish Amateur Rugby Club
Kick-off: 10:00am both days

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