Brussels Celtics won the 10th annual International RCL / JP Morgan U12s rugby tournament on Saturday 28 May at Cessange.
A total of 13 teams from 5 different nations completed the morning pools under blue skies before moving to the afternoon quarter-finals. Meanwhile, in the Under 10 division, Rugby Club 't Gooi beat RCL to retain the Muddy Boot trophy. As grey clouds gathered overhead the quarter finals and semi finals were completed but the play-offs matches unfortunately had to be cancelled to assure the tournament could be completed before the predicted electrical storm arrived.
The final saw 2015 runners-up Brussels Celtics play hosts RCL. At full-time with the score at 0-0, the match advanced into 5 Golden Try extra-time minutes, with the first scorer winning the tournament. Heroic defence from both teams seemed to mean the final would be decided on a drop goal penalty shoot-out but, with moments remaining, Celtics made the decisive break to score in the corner and break RCL hearts.
Celtics were worthy winners, however, with both their A and B teams playing attractive rugby and the behaviour of their players meant they also won the fair-play award. Leuven beat Walferdange in the third place play-off to secure a deserved podium finish.
