On 1 and 2 May 2027 the 16th GONDER Rugby Jugendfestival takes place at SC Frankfurt 1880. Two days of high-level youth rugby with an international field in the age classes U8, U10, U12 and U14. We expect more than 1,000 players in more than 200 matches, making this one of the largest youth rugby tournaments in Germany.

Schedule

Saturday, 1 May 2027

• 10:00 – Briefing for team managers & coaches
• 11:00 – Start of the tournament
• 18:00 – End of the first day

Sunday, 2 May 2027

• 09:00 – Matches start
• 13:00 – Finals
• 15:30 – Award ceremony

Venue

SC Frankfurt 1880 e.V., Feldgerichtstraße 29, 60320 Frankfurt am Main
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Costs & Logistics

• The participation fee covers organisation and referees. Meals and accommodation are not included:
  • U8 / U10: EUR 120 per team
  • U12 / U14: EUR 150 per team
• Team meals (Saturday evening & Sunday lunch) can be pre-ordered. Details follow after registration.
• Food and drink stands on site (BBQ, fries, cake, fruit…).
• Accommodation is not provided; each club is responsible for its own. We are happy to help with tips on hotels & hostels.
• Please note: On 1 May the international cycling race Eschborn-Frankfurt takes place. Some roads will be closed, but S-Bahn and U-Bahn run as normal – please take this into account when planning your travel. 1 May is also a public holiday in Germany, so supermarkets will be closed.

Every year we receive significantly more registrations than we can accommodate. At the same time, we want to host a high-level international tournament with balanced fields. To give all clubs clear deadlines and transparency, we use a three-step process for 2027:

1. Non-binding registration – by 31 October 2026. If you are interested in taking part, please register via our online form.
2. Confirmation – by 15 November 2026. You will hear from us whether your teams have been given a place.
3. Binding registration – by 15 December 2026. We need your final registration including payment of the participation fee. After this deadline, remaining places will be offered to teams on the waiting list, who will be informed after 15 December.

Register Now →

Questions about registration? Write to info@scf-jugendfestival.de.

Matches are played according to the rules of Rugby Deutschland Jugend with the following team sizes:

Age groups

Age classes follow the German system based on the calendar year. As some countries use different cut-off dates, we grant international guest teams flexibility for players born between September and December of the previous year. For example, a player born in 2012 who turns 14 between 1 September and 31 December is eligible for U14 at the GONDER Festival. For fairness, this flexibility is available on request to all teams in age classes where clubs from countries with different cut-off dates take part.

A player may not change age class during the tournament. Please clarify any questions on this topic with the tournament management before the tournament starts.

Squad size

The number of substitutes per match is limited, but the number of players for the whole tournament is not. For example, a U12 team may travel with 20 children, but can use a maximum of 14 of them in each match.

How do we register?

Use the online registration form. Registration is a three-step process: non-binding registration by 31 October 2026, confirmation from us by 15 November 2026, binding registration including payment by 15 December 2026.

What happens if there are more registrations than places?

We receive significantly more registrations than we can accommodate and aim for balanced fields. Teams that do not get a place are put on a waiting list. After 15 December 2026, places that were not confirmed in time are offered to teams on the waiting list.

What does the participation fee cover?

The fee (EUR 120 per team for U8/U10, EUR 150 per team for U12/U14) covers organisation and referees. Meals and accommodation are not included.

Is food available?

Team meals for Saturday evening and Sunday lunch can be pre-ordered; details follow after registration. In addition there are food and drink stands on site (BBQ, fries, cake, fruit…).

Do you provide accommodation?

No, each club arranges its own accommodation. If you need tips on hotels or hostels, please contact us.

How many players can we bring?

The number of players for the whole tournament is unlimited, but the number of substitutes per match is limited (see Rules & Format). A U12 team may, for example, travel with 20 children and use a maximum of 14 in each match.

Our players have different birth years – can they still play?

Age classes follow the German calendar-year system. International guest teams can request flexibility for players born between September and December of the previous year. Please clarify such cases with the tournament management before the tournament starts. Players may not change age class during the tournament.

Is there anything to consider when travelling on 1 May?

Yes. The Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling race takes place on 1 May and some roads will be closed. S-Bahn and U-Bahn run as normal. 1 May is also a public holiday in Germany, so supermarkets are closed.

Who can I ask if my question is not answered here?

Write to info@scf-jugendfestival.de.