Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their daughter attend Monaco Sainte-Dévote rugby tournament
The Singapore team won 4-1 in the final against England © Frédéric Nebinger
Princess Akiko of Mikasa, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, attended the competition alongside Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella throughout the weekend.
This weekend, the Stade Louis-II swapped the round ball for the oval one. Monaco hosted the 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Tournament, a must-see event in international youth rugby, held this year under the patronage of former French international Yoann Huget. It was the Singapore team that emerged victorious in the final against England (4-1) in a tournament bringing together 24 teams from 23 countries.
A colourful opening ceremony
The kick-off took place in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella. Guest of honour Princess Akiko of Mikasa, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, watched the competition alongside the Princely Family. A symbol of a historic tournament, marked by the first participation of a team from Japan. Gareth Wittstock, Princess Charlene’s brother, was also present in the stands.
The nations paraded one by one along the athletics track, led by their captains and dressed in traditional attire. A ceremony that clearly impressed the many parents who had travelled from afar for the occasion. “With the orchestra and the dancing, everything was perfect,” said Amandine, who had just arrived from Montpellier to support her child and was in Monaco for the first time.
Rugby as a school of life
Supported by the Princess Charlene Foundation, World Rugby and Rugby Europe, the tournament embodies values that go beyond the sporting arena. As President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, Princess Charlene reiterated this in a statement: “Rugby is a wonderful school of life and the Sainte-Dévote Tournament a vehicle for peace. On the pitch, young players from diverse backgrounds discover solidarity, humility and trust in one another.”
Bruno, coach of Rugby Club Vaudois, attending for the tenth time, shares this enthusiasm. “The children have stars in their eyes,” he emphasises. As a coach, he also notes the differences in style between the nations: “The way they coach, attack, carry the ball… It’s very interesting.”
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Singapore triumphs, Monaco impresses
On the pitch, it was Singapore who clinched the title on their debut, winning 4-1 in the final against England. Arthur, a young player from AS Monaco Rugby, sums up the difficulty of the challenge after facing the eventual winners in his first match: “It was faster, they’re tougher in the tackles.” Monaco finished in a very creditable sixth place, notably with a standout match against France, represented by Montpellier, the defending champions.
Damien, a 16-year-old referee, reflects on a formative experience: “It’s an international level; it’s different compared to regional matches. Language-wise, it’s harder to make yourself understood; we mainly communicate with gestures.”
A tournament open to all
On the fringes of the competition, the “Rugby for All” initiative gave schoolchildren from the Principality, as well as young adults with disabilities, the chance to discover the oval ball on Friday morning. The schoolchildren also watched the opening ceremony from the stands, sang the Monegasque national anthem alongside the Prince and Princess, and cheered on their classmates on the pitch.
On Saturday, a Rugby Tots session was organised for 2- to 7-year-olds, offering an introduction tailored to the youngest participants. On the safety front, the Red Cross was on standby throughout the event. “Last year we had quite a bit of work to do; this year we’ve planned for a slightly larger operation, with an ambulance and doctors on site,” said Vincent, a first-aider present at the venue.
Free and open to all, this 14th edition of the Sainte-Dévote Tournament once again showcased the values of respect, tolerance and discipline that define the competition. Plans are already in place for the 15th edition.