Catalina Island has been home to an annual rugby tournament for more than 20 years
Catalina Island events fill the calendar with endurance runs, art festivals, concerts and more, providing something for everyone. While most of those events tend toward the more traditional, a few events appeal to a more narrow audience – giving Catalina Island visitors a chance to learn more about activities that they may not have the chance to experience in their everyday lives.
One of those events happens the first Saturday in May, when the Catalina Island Rugby Festival brings together an armada of rugby teams from throughout Southern California. Originally brought to the island as the Old Boys Rugby Tournament in 1994, the festival provides a full day of rugby playing and is open to both teams and individuals. The Los Angeles Rugby Club organizes the event, which benefits the Cancer Support Community of Redondo Beach.
This year’s tournament is scheduled for May 2 at the Joe Machado Field. Teams can sign up at the festival website and a sign-up board will be available at the Catalina Cantina on Friday, May 1. Catalina Island Vacation Rentals is offering a sponsorship package with a 10 percent discount during rugby weekend.