School

Rugby player holding ball, wearing colorful striped jersey on field during match
Young boy playing rugby on a field at night, wearing a striped jersey, holding a rugby ball.

Our Rugby school was established in 2006, with the objective of providing a safe and fun environment for learning to play rugby, right in the heart of Brussels.

We field teams in all age grades from U6 all the way through to U18.

Our players hail from around the globe, including the Celtic nations, UK, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, North America, South Africa, Japan, and Australia. Training is primarily in English, but Dutch and French are added if non-Anglophone members struggle to understand.

U6-U18 / Touch

  • Children in striped jerseys in a rugby huddle on a sports field.

    U6

    Coach(es): James Parker (Head Coach), Alexandre Biard, Pernille Prêcheur and Veerle Vanraes (Manager)

    Year of Birth: 2019 or later

    Training: Every Saturday morning from 09h00 to 10h00, and to 10h00 to 11h00, at the VU Saturday tournaments, home or away, when scheduled are in the morning and or afternoon.

    Email: u6@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • children playing rugby on a field

    U8

    Coach(es): Astrid Vidal Vrijens (Head coach/Manager), Sophie Briquetti, Thibaud Martin, George Pinhorn, Rob Roelandts and Alasdair White

    Year of Birth: 2018 & 2017

    Training: Every Wednesday evening from 18h00-19h00, and Saturday from 09h00-10h30 at the VUB. Saturday tournaments, home or away, when scheduled are in the morning and or afternoon.

    Email: u8@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • Group of young rugby players in colorful jerseys taking a playful selfie with a coach on a grass field.

    U10

    Coach(es): Pierre-Emmanuel Cau (Head Coach), Michel Derville, Adam McLean and Tommy Brosnahan (Manager.)

    Year of Birth: 2016 & 2015

    Training: Every Wednesday evening from 18h00-19h00, and Saturday from 09h00-10h30 at the VUB. Saturday tournaments, home or away, when scheduled are in the morning and or afternoon.

    Email: u10@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • Youth rugby player practicing tackling drills with a green tackle bag on a field, wearing a colorful striped jersey and helmet.

    U12

    Coach(es): Geoffrey Use (Head Coach), Christian Wagner and Francesco Longu (Manager)

    Year of Birth: 2014 & 2013

    Training: Every Wednesday evening from 18h00-19h00, and Saturday from 10h30-12h00 at the VUB. Saturday tournaments, home or away, when scheduled are in the morning and or afternoon.

    Email: u12@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • Youth rugby players in colorful jerseys preparing for a game on a field.

    U14

    Coach(es): Mickael Tremege (Head Coach), Benjamin Cohen, Paul Emmett, Roland Hartwell, Ester Martínez, Lucas Poprzen, Antoine Roquebert and Milan Jaron (Manager.)

    Year of Birth: 2012 & 2011

    Training: Every Wednesday evening from 18h30-20h00, and Friday 18h00-19h30 at the VUB (and Saturday mornings when there is no match from 10h30-12h00 at the VUB). Saturday Matches, home or away, are generally from 11h00 warm up and 12h00 – 13h30 match.

    Email: u14@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • Five young men in matching green and red striped rugby jerseys posing on a field.

    U16

    Coach(es): Ray Malanaphy (Head Coach), Mike Collins (Coach), Robin Nyombi and Sara Piller (Manager)

    Year of Birth: 2010 & 2009

    Training: Every Tuesday and Friday evening from 18h00-19h30 at VUB. Saturday Matches home or away are generally from 12h30 warm up and 13h30 – 15h00 match.

    Email: u16@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • Rugby players in action on a field

    U18

    Coach(es): Vasiliades Lavrentios (Head Coach), Christian Farrar-Hockley, Nick Revill and Joanne de Graaff (Manager)

    Year of Birth: 2008 & 2007

    Training: Every Wednesday from 19h30 to 21h00 and Friday from 20h00 – 22h00 at either VUB or the Tritomas Saturday Matches home or away are generally from 14h00 warm up and 15h00 – 16h30 match.

    Email: u18@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!
  • People playing Australian rules football on a grass field, with one child wearing a striped jersey and two adults in maroon and yellow uniforms.

    Touch

    Coach(es): Pierre-Emmanuel Cau (head coaches), Jane Gimber, Eric Koeut and Vincent Lebacq

    Year of birth: 2010-2017 (Kids over 15 can join BC touch senior section)

    Training: Every Sunday from 10:00 to 11:30.

    Email:touch@bbrfcceltic.eu

    JOIN US!

INFORMATION FOR PLAYERS

Boys and girls play in the same teams from U6 to U14.

Up to the U12 the teams compete in regular tournaments with clubs from all over Belgium, while the U14, U16 and U18 participate in their respective divisions in a national championship. We also regularly host touring international sides.

The U14 to U18 teams complete in national leagues and play a match most weekends. All teams from U10 and older train twice a week. Age category training times below.

We play on a state of the art pitch on the VUB campus in Ixelles, found in front of the tram stop VUB. Generally speaking the teams up to U12 train at the VUB every Saturday, from 9 to 12 together with a second extra day of training throughout the week, while participating in tournaments approximately once a month.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

We’re more than a just rugby club: these teams are little families in the big family that is BBRFC Celtic. After training, many of us stick around to enjoy a coffee or a cold drink together, (depending on the season) at our Donation Station (coffee, teas, snacks and drinks). Beyond the field, we also participate in various social events organized with the support of our School Social Committee. 

Rugby School Parents Association: We’re always looking for more parents to join and help realise ways we can help the school and our children! We’re all volunteers and more the merrier!

If you're looking for a supportive, energetic, and welcoming environment for your child, come join us. We can't wait to see you on the pitch!

Multicultural & Stronger for it!

Young rugby player wearing colorful jersey and protective scrum cap on sports field.

Luca U10s
🇲🇹

Child wearing a colorful rugby jersey standing on a rugby field with goal posts and a building in the background on a sunny day.

Bastien U8s
🇺🇸 / 🇨🇵

Child in colorful sports uniform on a soccer field with blurred background

Simon U8s
🇮🇪 / 🇬🇧 / 🇧🇷 /

Person wearing a striped rugby jersey with logos and text "freshmed" and "BBRFC Celtic." Outdoors, blurred background."

Amy U14s
🇿🇦 / 🇬🇧

Our Core Values

Respect

Remember you are representing your team, your club, your family and the Game of Rugby. Respect the ‘Game of Rugby’ and play within the Laws of the Game. Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humility - lose with dignity.

Discipline

As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team. Work with your coaches to set individual goals based on how well you do rather than whether you win. Play with control. Do not lose your temper.

Teamwork

Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach; teammates and members of your club. At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match. As a team sport it is important to understand that all members are important to the team.

Sportsmanship

Be a ‘good sport’. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opposition. Respect your opponent, treat all players as you would like to be treated & do not ‘bully’ or take advantage of any player. Accept the referee’s decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.

Rugby School Directors

At BBRFC Celtic, our Rugby School Directors are dedicated to supporting everyone who makes our club special: players, parents, and coaching staff alike. We're here to ensure that every member of our rugby family feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive both on and off the pitch.

Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want to share in the rugby spirit, we’re here to help. We work hard to ensure our club embodies the values that define us - teamwork, respect, fun, discipline, and sportsmanship - and we’re proud to see these principles in action every day.

Together, we strive to make BBRFC Celtic a community where everyone feels welcome. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Smiling man with short beard wearing a sports jacket

Eoghan Quinn
RUGBY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Person with blonde hair wearing a dark sports jacket standing on a soccer field.

Astrid Vidal Vrijens
RUGBY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Child Safety

As a parent, you want your child to enjoy playing rugby in a safe and friendly environment where they can learn skills and have fun. The enjoyment and safety of children in rugby are crucial for the sport's future. Although rugby is seen as "dangerous," it is actually quite safe. New rules have been implemented to enhance safety, such as mandatory mouthguards and optional head guards.

Coaches focus on making training and games safe for different age groups. Safety for both children and adults is regularly reviewed, with rule changes made as needed. Rugby is played in over 100 countries and is very popular in places like Japan, Fiji, and Wales. Its widespread popularity shows it is not as dangerous as some believe. In fact, the injury risk in rugby is lower than in many other sports.

At BBRFC Celtic, the safety and well-being of every child is our top priority. We are committed to providing a secure, supportive, and nurturing environment where children can thrive both on and off the rugby field. Our coaches follow first-aid courses at least every 2 years, and adhere to strict protocols to ensure the physical and emotional safety of every young player. Through proper coaching, safe tackling techniques, and constant supervision, we strive to make rugby not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a safe one for all. In addition, we have a Child Safety Officer (Tommy Brosnahan) who can be contacted at ANY time if parents or players ever need it.

Person wearing a winter hat with 'Éire' and an Irish shamrock logo, standing outdoors on a sports field.

Tommy Brosnahan
Child Safety Officer
Contact: childwelfare@bbrfcceltic.eu

Woman standing on a sports field, wearing a navy jacket with a logo, smiling at the camera.

Astrid Vidal Vrijens
Child Safety Officer
Contact: childwelfare@bbrfcceltic.eu

Information

  • Rugby Boots: Only use plastic soles. Our pitch at VUB is made for artificial grass, and metal studs will damage it.

    Rugby Jerseys: Team shirts will be provided for U16 and U18 players on match days. Younger players must bring their own jerseys, which can be purchased from our store. For training, wear any jersey you like, but no hoodies.

    Shorts and Socks: For matches, wear dark blue shorts and red & green socks, available in our store.

    Gum Shield: Gum shields are required for training and matches. You can buy them at any sports shop. Make sure to mold the gum shield to fit your mouth using boiling water—instructions are included.

    Scrum Cap: Scrum caps protect your head from impacts.

    Balls: The school provides all balls for training and matches.

    Please remove jewelry, watches, and piercings before playing, and avoid hoodies or anything that could cause injury.

  • VUB Main Campus:
    Trainings & tournaments (home) will be held at the VUB rugby pitch, found in front of the tram stop VUB.

VUB Main Campus

 

Joining & fees

The first 3 training sessions are entirely free – what a bargain! After that or before your first match you will need to complete your registration via Twizzit and medical forms for insurance purposes, and of course pay your registration fees.

Once you have given us a try and are ready to sign up, you will be able to complete your full registration and fee payment via your BBRFC Celtic Twizzit account.  If you have any questions, please email treasurer@bbrfcceltic.eu.

Table showing fees for children's age groups. U6: First Child 170€, Second Child 145€. U8, U10, U12: First Child 250€, Second Child 185€. U14, U16, U18: First Child 280€, Second Child 180€.

Forms

Medical form

Transfer form

If you join us from another Belgian club.

Codes of Conduct

As Rugby is a game based on respect, we kindly ask you to read and follow our club’s code of conduct:

Child wearing a blue rugby helmet and green and red jersey, making a playful face, with a person holding a rugby ball in the background.
Children playing rugby; one child in blue helmet carrying the ball, being tackled by another in a red helmet on a grassy field.
Two people covered in mud, standing on a field at night, one wearing a striped rugby shirt and shorts, the other in dark athletic gear.
Five rugby players wearing green, red, and blue uniforms standing together on a rugby field with trees in the background.
Youth rugby players in colorful jerseys competing on a grass field.
Rugby players in action during a match, one player attempting a tackle.
Children playing a youth rugby match on a grass field, one child holding a yellow rugby ball, others in pursuit. Background includes other players and spectators, with trees visible.
Children playing rugby on a grassy field with an adult instructing them.
Rugby players on a field with one holding a rugby ball, wearing colorful jerseys, with a bench and green chairs in the background.
Rugby players in action during a match on a green field.
Two rugby players in action, one wearing a striped jersey holding a rugby ball, and the other in a white jersey attempting to tackle, with an audience in the background.
Rugby player preparing throw-in, wearing a padded helmet and a multicolored jersey.
Rugby players in action during a match. One player in a striped jersey holds the ball while others in white jerseys attempt to tackle. Outdoor field setting.
Youth rugby match, player with ball, colorful jerseys, grass field.
Rugby player in action holding ball, wearing green, blue, and red striped jersey, outdoor field.
Young rugby player in gear running towards a green tackling dummy on a field.
Person in a red, green, and blue sports jersey crouching on a grassy field.
Child in sports gear kneeling on a football field.
Kids in rugby practice tackling dummy
Child running with a rugby ball during practice, wearing a jacket, on an outdoor field at night.
Mixed-gender rugby match featuring players in maroon, yellow, and striped jerseys, with a child in a striped jersey holding a rugby ball on a grassy field.
A group of kids and two adults, all muddy, posing under night lighting on a rugby field.
Young boy in rugby gear celebrating with enthusiasm on a muddy field, surrounded by teammates and onlookers.
Youth rugby team in colorful jerseys preparing on field
Two people posing, one holding a rugby ball and a booklet. The younger one is wearing a black hoodie with "BBRFC Celtic" and "Canterbury" logos, the older one in a red jacket with a rugby logo.
Two children wearing rugby helmets and jerseys standing on a grassy field.
Children playing rugby on a grassy field, wearing colorful uniforms and helmets.
Group of children in rugby uniforms taking a selfie on a field.
Children playing rugby on a grassy field, wearing blue and striped rugby uniforms, with spectators in the background.
Children playing rugby on grass field, wearing colorful jerseys and safety helmets.
Youth rugby team huddle with coach giving instructions on grassy field.
Child playing rugby being tackled, wearing blue clothing, at night with blurred lights in background.
Children on a sports field, wearing colorful sports attire, celebrating under a double rainbow.
Two boys playing rugby on a field, one holding a rugby ball, both laughing.
Young rugby team in striped jerseys huddling on a grassy field with two coaches, focusing on teamwork and strategy.
Children playing rugby on a grassy field with a coach supervising.
Two boys playing rugby on a field at night.
A person wearing a beanie and hoodie holds a rugby ball on a sports field at night with floodlights.
Children and adult in rugby outfits huddling on muddy field
Children playing rugby in a park with a coach watching
Children playing rugby game outdoors
Man holding a muddy rugby ball outdoors, dressed in a blue jacket, with a child in a colorful jersey standing nearby.
Children and coaches holding hands in a circle on a muddy field, wearing football jerseys, with bare trees in the background.

Questions?

We’re always more than happy to answer any questions you have, just fill out the form on this page and someone from the Rugby School will get back to you as soon as possible!

Alternatively, you can always reach out to us on Instagram: @bbrfc_celtic

Don’t be a stranger!