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Team from the USA Participates in Monaco's Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament

The USA Team © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier Flags presentation ceremony © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier The USA team © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier TSH the Prince and Princess of Monaco, HSH Princess Gabriella and the American rugby players © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier Mr. Julian Savea, Mr. Cédric Nardi, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, TSH the Prince and Princess of Monaco and the Monegasques rugby players © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier The Monaco Team © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier The South African team © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier The Tournament participants © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier Flags presentation ceremony © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier From left to right : Mr. Jamie Cudmore, ambassador of the 9th edition of the Saint Devote Rugby, Mr. Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the winner team Montpellier and Mr. Cédric Nardi, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation © FMR HSH Princess Charlene and Mrs. Dara Torres, former olympic swimming champion and Ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier The Prince and Princess of Monaco with Their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier HSH Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier TSH the Prince and Princess of Monaco with Their children Crown Prince Jacques and HSH Princess Gabriella and Mr. Gareth Wittstock, General Secretary of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation © Eric Mathon / Palais Princier
Monaco, May 11, 2019 - For the first time since the creation of this international tournament, a team from the United States participated in the 9th Saint Devote Rugby Tournament which took place on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. 

Organized by the Monegasque Rugby Federation with the support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the U12 Tournament hosted 17 teams, including 6 mixed-gender teams, from 14 nations: Abu Dhabi (EFR), South Africa (LIV), Andorra (Federation), England (London) ), Dubai (APRSA), Spain (Barcelona), United States (USA West Rugby), France (Lucciana, Montpellier, Provence and Toulon), Georgia (Tbilisi), Mauritius (Mauritian Federation Selection), Italy (Imperia), Monaco, Switzerland (Vaudoise Association), Russia (Kaliningrad).

Over 350 children gathered to celebrate and compete in this great rugby festival in front of TT.SS.HH. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco and Their children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

Montpellier competed in the final against Provence Rugby and won the Tournament. The Saint Devote Trophy was awarded to Monaco.

The Canadian International and 2010 French champion Mr. Jamie Cudmore – ambassador of this 9th edition – presented his Foundation the “Rugby Safety Network” the aim of which is to educate young individuals on how to play rugby in complete safety.

Mrs. Dara Torres, former olympic swimming champion and Vice President of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation USA, the South African rugby union players Mr. Marcel van der Merwe and World Champion Mr. JP Pietersen, the New Zealander world champion Mr. Julian Savea and his compatriot Mr. Liam Justin Messam, and the Welsh international rugby union player Mr. Rhys Webb were also present.

While the various teams presented their flags, spectators were able to enjoy a dance performance by the “Palladienne de Monaco” and the Monegasque national anthem performed by the Rainier III Academy Children’s Choir.

A program called "Tots Rugby" initiated children 3 to 5 years old to the sport, while “Rugby for Everyone” provided educational workshops and competitions adapted to children with disabilities. The day-long event successfully celebrated friendship and interaction.