Aegean Rugby Camp powered by Nikola Matawalu



Aegean Rugby Camp powered by Nikola Matawalu

24 May – 1 June 2026
Location: Chania, Crete, Greece
Rugby camp at one of the most beautiful rugby destinations in Europe, with the guidance of Nikola Matawalu. The Aegean Rugby Camp combines elite-level coaching, beach and field training sessions, and participation in the Aegean Rugby Festival 2026 — all set in stunning Chania, Crete.



Experience the rugby program designed to develop skill, agility, and game intelligence in a supportive, high-energy environment. The Aegean Rugby Camp combines structured field and beach sessions with competitive festival matches, giving the participants an all-around practical experience.

A special highlight of the camp is the Aegean Rugby Festival, which will be held on the last two days of the camp, where multiple rugby agencies and scouts from across Europe attend, making it a unique opportunity for players to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and connect with key figures in the rugby world.

Meet the Coach – Nikola Matawalu

Nikola Matawalu is a Fijian international and Olympian rugby player renowned for his flair, speed, and tactical intelligence. He enjoyed a highly successful professional career with clubs including Glasgow Warriors, where he made over 100 appearances and won the Pro12 title, as well as stints with Bath Rugby in the English Premiership.

Matawalu, a graduate from the University of South Of Wales with a degree in Rugby Coaching and Performance:1st Class honours, along with his personal experience on and off the pitch, brings expert insight to every training session through practical, performance-focused coaching.

Download Schedule

24th of May | Check in: Arrival at Chania, hotel check-in, free time, dinner, meet and greet.
25th to the 28th of May: Breakfast, training, lunch, recovery/free time, dinner
29th of May: Breakfast, training, lunch. check in at the festival, dinner
30th of May | Aegean Rugby Festival Day 1: Breakfast, 7's Pool play, Party
31st of May | Aegean Rugby Festival Day 2: Breakfast, 7's finals, Beach Rugby Event, Closing Party
1st of June | check out: Breakfast, Check-out


Inclusions

  • Five training days (double sessions on days 2 and 3) | technical, tactical, conditioning
  • Four theory sessions
  • Participation in the Aegean Rugby Festival 2026
  • Shared triple room accommodation at the heart of Chania, Crete
  • Daily breakfast and lunch (Drinks are not included)
  • Official Macron training T-shirt & backpack
  • Daily water and snacks throughout the trip

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks during meals

All bookings are confirmed with a non-refundable fee.



To participate in the camp requires full acceptance of the regulations:

  1. Athletes competing should understand that they are moving in the open, exposed to particular weather conditions that will prevail on that particular day of the match.
  2. Men and women of all ages are accepted.
  3. Participants who have not reached 18 years of age are required to submit a statement from their parents.
  4. Valid participation is considered to be valid after it has been paid off financially.
  5. Any participant who decides to cancel/postpone his/her participation is not entitled to a refund.
  6. The rules and the type of events are described on the competition's website, which is an integral part of this regulation.
  7. Participants are obliged to fully comply with the regulations set by the organizer. They are also obliged to obey the suggestions of the individuals (eg. volunteers, reviewers) designated by the organizer. Failure to comply with the regulations or instructions will result in an exclusion penalty, with no refund or any other costs. Any person authorized by the event manager may record any infringement that he has perceived and report it to the event manager.
  8. Any marking of the space provided by the event manager is temporary, intended to serve the participants, and is removed after the event.
  9. Athletes are involved at their own risk and the organizing authority is not responsible for any injuries they may have, as stated in the statement of responsibility or here. However, qualified medical personnel and a fully equipped ambulance will be available. There will also be rescue teams covering the event.
  10. Participants must have been examined by a physician who has judged them capable of participating in the particular event. Medical advice must not be older than 30 days from the last day of the event.
  11. It is strictly forbidden to dispose of any kind of object during the whole event, such as plastic bottles or any other solid or liquid food packaging material used by athletes during the event. Disposal of packaging materials or other non-organic waste anywhere on the route beyond the predetermined, carries an exclusion penalty, no refund, or any other costs.
  12. The event manager undertakes to supervise the field of play with specialized personnel in safety, rescue, and medical assistance to the participants in need. In cases where security personnel and referees indicate to athletes that the event must be stopped for safety reasons, the latter is obliged to obey. Non-compliance means exclusion, no refund, or any other costs.
  13. In case of need, the event manager reserves the right to postpone the start of the event in order not to endanger the physical integrity of the participants. In very extreme conditions he can cancel the event.
  14. Participant exclusion occurs for a) Pollution of the site. b) Inappropriate behavior towards the organizing staff. c) Inappropriate behavior towards the spectators of the event. d) Non-compliance with these Regulations.
  15. The organizers are not responsible for the deaths, injuries, or any damage to the health of the participants who, upon submitting their request for participation, declare that they are aware of the risks involved including those allegedly attributed to the negligent acts or omissions of the foregoing that their health status is good and allows them to participate, and they have recently been examined by a doctor on this subject. However, no participant will be required to submit a medical certificate. They are obliged to perform regular medical checkups to check their health status. The event managers disclaim any responsibility for the physical integrity of the participants, who should behave responsibly at any dangerous points on the route. The organizers disclaim any financial responsibility in the event of outside assistance to any athlete.
  16. Participants consent to be featured in photographs or any other media from the event, which shall be used exclusively to promote the event.
  17. A minimum of 12 athletes must be met for the Camp to take place.
  18. The organizers have the authority to modify the rules and regulations of the event, with no further notice.  

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