About Catalin Island Rugby Festival

Started in 1992 by Joe Hendrix, the Catalina Island Rugby Festival is a 40 and over 15s tournament played on Joe Machado Field in Avalon on Catalina Island, CA. In 2000, Joe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and after a hard fought 11 year battle, Joe passed away. In 2010 Joe's identical twin bother, Tom Hendrix took over and began using the tournament as a fundraiser for the Cancer Support Community South Bay in Joe's honor

We hope you can join us May 10th, 2025

Please check out our supporters, it is thanks to their generosity and that of the participants, that the Catalina Island Rugby Festival has been able to bring Rugby to Avalon for the last 33 years.

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Photo Gallery

Click on posters above to see more photos from each years festival.

If you have photos from previous years, email them to [email protected] and we will add them.

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Get in touch

Bill Bleecker
310-782-4880
[email protected]

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Getting to the Island

How to get there, where to stay, what to do (other than rugby)
The best way to get to Avalon on Catalina Island is on Catalina Express, they have several locations and times from which to depart.

There are many places to stay in Avalon, the Seaport Village Inn has been a long time friend of the festival and offers great rates for participants. They are also walking distance to everything. Use promo code "33rdAnnual" when you book

Once you're here, check out Lua Larry's for some great island vibes and order a Wicky Waker. They are located right in the middle of town on the water.

Need to rehydrate before the game? Dropfusion IV will be at the field to help get you going again on game day.

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Thank you

We'll get back to you.

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Join the fun

Entry Form

There is a $500 (U.S.) entry fee for each team - portions are donated to charity, including the Cancer Support Community South Bay. Teams that enter are guaranteed 3 games. If you are without a team or do not have a full squad, contact us and we can help place you in contact with a team.

For custom designed kits and team social wear, check out Rasa

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2025

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2025 Game Schedule

Round 1 kicks off @ 9:00am
1. Los Angeles Rugby Club Old Boys vs Riverside Rugby Old Boys
2. Old Southwest & Sin City vs Old Aztecs
3. Unicorns vs Pasadena Old Boys
4. OC Bucks vs North County GentsRound 2 kicks off @ 11:30
1. Old Southwest & Sin City vs Riverside Rugby Old Boys
2. Unicorns vs Old Aztecs
3. OC Bucks vs Pasadena Old Boys
4. Los Angeles Rugby Club Old Boys vs North County GentsRound 3 kicks off @ 2:00
1. Unicorns vs Riverside Rugby Old Boys
2. OC Bucks vs Old Aztecs
3. Los Angeles Rugby Club Old Boys vs Pasadena Old Boys
4. Old Southwest & Sin City vs North County Gents

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