Burleigh Travel’s Devon Big Bash 2027 to Bring Junior Rugby Clubs Together in Support of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
CIRENCESTER, GLOUCESTERSHIRE – November 5, 2026 – UK sports tour specialist Burleigh Travel is inviting mini and junior rugby clubs from across the country to take part in the Devon Big Bash 2027, a major youth rugby festival taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May 2027.
Hosted at Ivybridge Rugby Club in Devon, the festival will bring together young players, coaches and families for a weekend of rugby, team bonding and memorable touring experiences.
The 2027 event will also support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with Burleigh Travel pledging to make a charitable donation for every person travelling to the festival.
The initiative gives participating rugby clubs an opportunity to enjoy a memorable sporting weekend while helping support research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
A Major Junior Rugby Festival in Devon
The Devon Big Bash has become an established fixture in Burleigh Travel’s annual rugby festival programme, traditionally attracting around 100 teams.
The festival welcomes boys’ teams from Under 7 through to Under 15, alongside girls’ teams at Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 levels.
Hosted at Ivybridge Rugby Club, participating teams will have the opportunity to compete against other touring clubs and local opposition in a welcoming rugby environment.
Beyond the matches themselves, the rugby festival is designed to encourage teamwork, new friendships and the shared experiences that make junior rugby tours so memorable.
Following the rugby, players and their families can enjoy the festival presentation and the popular Big Bash BBQ before returning to their accommodation.
With the event taking place over the first May Bank Holiday weekend, it also offers clubs a convenient opportunity to combine their rugby tour with an extended family break in Devon.
Supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
An important feature of the Devon Big Bash 2027 is Burleigh Travel’s commitment to supporting My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Established by former Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir, the foundation has a clear ambition: a world free of Motor Neurone Disease.
MND is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement. It can gradually affect a person’s ability to walk, speak, eat and breathe, and there is currently no cure.
The foundation supports research aimed at improving scientific understanding of MND and accelerating progress towards effective treatments.
Its connection to rugby makes the partnership particularly meaningful, bringing together the sporting community to support a cause closely associated with one of the game’s most respected figures.
For every person travelling to the Devon Big Bash 2027, Burleigh Travel has committed to making a donation to the foundation.
The initiative means that every participating club, player and family member will help contribute towards this important cause through their involvement in the festival.
Rugby, Adventure and Family Entertainment
One of the attractions of the Devon Big Bash is the opportunity to combine a rugby festival with a wider touring experience.
Burleigh Travel offers participating clubs a choice of accommodation packages designed to suit different budgets and preferences.
PGL Barton Hall, Torquay
Clubs choosing the PGL Barton Hall experience can enjoy a three-day adventure-based stay, including meals, supervised activities and evening entertainment.
Located in the English Riviera, the centre offers activities such as climbing, abseiling, Jacob’s Ladder and the giant swing, providing opportunities for team building away from the rugby pitch.
Holiday Park Accommodation
Alternatively, Burleigh Travel offers four-day holiday park options at Trelawne and South Bay.
These packages provide self-catering accommodation, family entertainment and leisure facilities, making them particularly suitable for clubs travelling with parents and supporters.
The choice of packages allows clubs to create a touring experience that suits their players, coaches and families while enjoying everything Devon has to offer.
Bringing Rugby Clubs Together for a Worthwhile Cause
Burleigh Travel has been organising sports tours and rugby festivals since 1998, helping clubs experience competitive sport alongside memorable trips throughout the UK and overseas.
The Devon Big Bash reflects that approach, combining organised junior rugby with accommodation, activities and opportunities for families to enjoy time together.
For 2027, the additional commitment to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation gives the festival an even wider purpose.
Statement from Chris Kite, Director of Burleigh Travel
“The Devon Big Bash is one of our established rugby festivals, and we’re delighted that the 2027 event will also help support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
“Motor Neurone Disease has touched the rugby community deeply, and we’re proud to play our part in supporting the foundation’s important work. By making a donation for every person travelling to the festival, we hope to bring even more clubs together for a fantastic weekend while contributing to a very worthwhile cause.”
Rugby Clubs Invited to Enquire About Devon Big Bash 2027
Burleigh Travel is encouraging mini and junior rugby clubs across the UK to explore the Devon Big Bash 2027 and enquire about the available touring packages.
With rugby at Ivybridge Rugby Club, adventure activities, family-friendly accommodation and the added opportunity to support MND research, the festival provides an appealing option for clubs planning their 2027 rugby tours.
Club organisers can view the full event proposal, including age groups, accommodation options, activities and booking information, on the Burleigh Travel website.
Devon Big Bash 2027 – Full Event Details and Enquiries:
https://burleightravel.co.uk/tour-proposal/the-big-devon-bash-2027/
Event Dates: 30 April – 3 May 2027
Rugby Venue: Ivybridge Rugby Club, Devon
Age Groups: U7–U15 Boys and U12, U14 and U16 Girls
Charity Supported: My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
Telephone: 01285 424470
About Burleigh Travel
Established in 1998, Burleigh Travel Limited is a UK-based sports tour specialist organising rugby festivals and sporting tours for clubs, schools and universities.
Based in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, the company provides organised sporting experiences across the UK and internationally, combining competitive fixtures with accommodation, activities and dedicated tour support.
Its rugby festival programme includes established events across England, providing opportunities for young players to experience touring rugby in welcoming and professionally organised environments.
Website: https://burleightravel.co.uk/
About My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established by Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir in 2017.
The foundation is dedicated to funding research into Motor Neurone Disease, supporting scientific innovation and working towards its vision of a world free of MND.
The charity brings together researchers, supporters and the wider rugby community to help accelerate progress towards effective treatments.
Charity website: https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/
Media Enquiries
Chris Kite Director, Burleigh Travel Limited Watermoor Point, Watermoor Road Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1LF Telephone: 01285 424470 Website: https://burleightravel.co.uk/
Media Contact
Company Name: Burleigh Travel Limited
Contact Person: Chris Kite
Email: Send Email
Phone: 01285 424470
Address:Watermoor Point Watermoor Road
City: Cirencester
State: GL7 1LF
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://burleightravel.co.uk/
