You may know Bottom of the Ruck from our dedicated coverage of grassroots rugby promoting clubs, events, and our culture. Now, you can add touring to our growing list of offerings. 

We are excited to announce that the BOTR Voyagers are headed to New Orleans, Louisiana to compete in the Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest Old Boys Rugby Tournament the weekend of April 10, 2027.

This will be a social rugby tour built around everything we love about grassroots rugby. Great people, good laughs, competitive spirit, and an unforgettable weekend spent with the rugby community.

The initial Voyagers squad are being formed as a touring side for men’s players aged 35+ who still love pulling on the boots, sharing a beer (if that’s your thing), and embracing the camaraderie that makes rugby special long after the serious playing days fade away. This is not about chasing championships or pretending that our bodies recover in 24 hours anymore. This is about rugby tours done properly.

New Orleans is the perfect setting for the Voyagers’ first major outing. Rugby, music, food, culture, and lifelong memories all wrapped into one legendary city.

The Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest might just become one of the top social rugby weekends in the United States, drawing old boys sides for a celebration of rugby culture and community. It is exactly the type of event Bottom of the Ruck wants to support and showcase.

The focus for this tour is simple:

• Good social rugby
• Brotherhood and community
• Experiencing the world famous New Orleans culture
• Bringing together players from different clubs and rugby backgrounds
• Having an absolute blast

We are currently gathering interest from players who would like to tour with the Voyagers in 2027. To submit your interest, please complete this form and we’ll be in touch with further details. 

Tour Details

Event: Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest Old Boys Tournament
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tournament Date: April 10, 2027
Division: Old Boys 35+

Players interested in joining the tour are encouraged to complete the interest form so we can begin planning numbers, logistics, and future communications.

We are looking for 20-25 players to join us in New Orleans. Everyone will get plenty of playing time.  

What the Tour Fees Include

Final tour fees are still being determined, but are expected to include:

• Tournament player registration fee
• BOTR Voyagers playing kit (jersey and shorts)
• Commemorative Tour gift for each player
• Bus transportation to and from the tournament on Saturday
• Team drinks/snacks during tournament day
• General team/tour organization

Players will also have the opportunity to purchase additional custom kit items designed specifically for this tour.

Player Responsibilities

Players will be responsible for their own:

• Flights/travel
• Hotel accommodations
• Meals and drinks outside team provisions
• Personal spending expenses

Bottom of the Ruck is working to coordinate accommodations recommended by tournament organizers to help keep the group together throughout the weekend.

Once the final fees are determined, we will communicate them, along with the payment schedule, to all interested players. Kit orders will follow shortly thereafter. 

This tour is open to players from all clubs and rugby backgrounds. Whether you are still playing regularly, dusting the boots off for a social run, or simply looking for a memorable rugby weekend with good people, the Voyagers are about creating an inclusive touring experience centered around grassroots rugby culture.

As with everything Bottom of the Ruck does, this is about celebrating Clubland.

Players joining the Voyagers will also become part of the Bottom of the Ruck storytelling experience throughout the weekend. Our mission is to showcase the culture, personalities, and community spirit that make grassroots rugby special. Expect player interviews, social media features, highlight clips, tour photos, behind-the-scenes content, and plenty of the chaos that naturally comes with a rugby tour to New Orleans.

This is not just about playing in a tournament. It is about documenting the experience, friendships formed, laughs, and the stories that come from throwing a group of rugby people together for a weekend in one of the most entertaining cities in the world. 

Whether you are scoring tries, leading songs, or simply surviving the weekend, the tour aims to capture and celebrate the moments that make rugby tours unforgettable.

Rugby tours remain one of the purest parts of the game. They create stories that stand the test of time, strengthen friendships across clubs and regions, and remind us why so many of us keep coming back to rugby long after our knees started making strange noises every morning.

New Orleans is calling and the Voyagers are ready to answer.

Interested players can complete the tour interest form to receive updates and future tour details.

And who knows? This may just be the beginning of something special. The New Orleans trip is a test run for future Voyager’s domestic and international rugby tours for men, women, young, and old players from throughout the grassroots.

Planning has already begun on a Canadian Tour for the Summer of 2028 and other domestic and international destination ideas are being discussed. 

Because some of the best rugby memories are made far from home.

Keep Rugby Grassy.