Last weekend, UR7s took two teams—an U16 and an U18 boys squad—to compete at the Lisbon Junior 7s. It was a trip full of early mornings, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments both on and off the field.
Friday: The Journey Begins
Our adventure started bright and early at Gatwick Airport. With sleepy eyes but plenty of excitement, we made our way to Lisbon. After some travel delays, the boys were eager to get moving, so we went straight from the airport to a training session. The teams shook off the journey and got into the right mindset for the tournament ahead.
That evening, we settled into our hotel and enjoyed a big team dinner. One of the standout moments of the trip came during the jersey presentation, where the boys received well-wishes and good luck messages from coaches back home. The sense of camaraderie and purpose was clear—everyone was ready to give their all.
Saturday: Dominating the Pool Stages
Both teams kicked off the tournament in incredible form, winning all three of their pool matches and topping their respective groups. The U16s started strong with a commanding 24-0 victory over Belenenses before turning up the heat with a 40-0 win against Santarém. They finished the day with an outstanding 43-0 performance against CR Setúbal, a testament to their solid defense and relentless attacking play.
The U18s were equally impressive, opening with a 26-0 shutout against GDS Cascais. They then delivered an attacking masterclass in a 40-5 win over Setúbal and rounded off the day with a dominant 38-7 victory over CDUL. The team’s expansive, fast-paced rugby made them an exciting watch and built momentum heading into the knockout stages.
After a day of high-energy performances, we headed to the beach for some well-earned recovery. The boys braved the cold water, and while the waves were sizeable, that didn’t stop them from having some fun and kicking a ball around.
Sunday: Knockout Rugby and a Dramatic Finale
Sunday brought the business end of the tournament, with both teams stepping up for the knockout rounds. The competition intensified, but the boys were ready. The U18s carried their attacking form into the quarter-finals, securing a 40-12 victory. However, they faced a tough challenge in the semi-final and were edged out 7-25. In the third-place playoff, they battled hard but ultimately fell to a strong Valencia side, finishing fourth overall after a 10-24 loss.
Meanwhile, the U16s continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 19-17 win in the quarter-finals, showing grit and composure under pressure. Their momentum carried into the semi-finals, where they controlled the game and secured a 19-5 victory to book their place in the final. The grand final was a thrilling contest, with both teams locked at 12-12 at full time, forcing a golden point decider. Despite their determination, the boys narrowly lost 12-17, finishing as runners-up in an incredibly competitive tournament.
Proud Moments
While the U16s were understandably disappointed not to come away with the gold, they, along with the U18s, represented the UR7s badge with pride, passion, and determination. The level of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship on display throughout the weekend was exceptional, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved.
A special mention goes to our standout performers:
- U16 Players’ Player: William Jenkins
- U18 Players’ Player: Rhydian Bailey
- Overall Tour MVP: Frazer Hancox (U18)
This tournament was another step forward for our young athletes, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for them. A huge thank you to all the coaches, parents, and supporters who made this experience possible. Lisbon Junior 7s was a weekend to remember, and we can’t wait for the next challenge!
