What you need for a rugby tournament

A rugby tournament needs more than balls and goals. You will need equipment for marking and running matches, drinking water for every player, shelter and seating for teams, and supplies for changing weather. This shopping list covers the items most often forgotten, such as spare ball-pump needles, shoelaces, ice packs and printed competition forms. Use your confirmed team and match schedule to set quantities before you buy.

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 3
  • Foldable tablesqty 10
  • Folding chairsqty 40
  • Beer tablesqty 8
  • Benchesqty 12
  • Tableclothsqty 10

Sports equipment

  • Rugby ballsqty 12
  • Conesqty 40
  • Field marking tapeqty 8
  • Measuring tapesqty 2
  • Rugby goalsqty 4
  • Goalpost protectorsqty 4
  • Training bibsqty 40
  • Whistlesqty 8
  • Spare shoelacesqty 12
  • Water jerry cansqty 8
  • Drinking cups for playersqty 200
  • Coolersqty 8
  • Towelsqty 20
  • Spare ball pumpqty 2
  • Ball needlesqty 10
  • Scoreboardsqty 4
  • Stopwatchesqty 4
  • Prizesqty 4
  • Medalsqty 40
  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Ice packsqty 20
  • Blanketsqty 4
  • Rain ponchosqty 20

Equipment

  • Megaphonesqty 2
  • Walkie-talkiesqty 8
  • Extension cordsqty 4
  • Power stripsqty 4
  • Phone chargersqty 6
  • Power banksqty 4
  • Laptopsqty 2
  • Tabletsqty 2
  • Printer
  • Cash registersqty 2

Lighting

  • Work lightsqty 4
  • String lightsqty 6
  • Flashlightsqty 8

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 250
  • Platesqty 180
  • Cutlery setsqty 180
  • Coffee cupsqty 100
  • Water jugsqty 12
  • Serving spoonsqty 12
  • Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
  • Coolers for Cateringqty 4
  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Serving traysqty 6
  • Pliersqty 8
  • Measuring cupsqty 2
  • Aluminum foilqty 4
  • Food storage containersqty 12

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 8
  • Team name signsqty 8
  • Directional signsqty 10
  • A4 multi-boardsqty 6

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 12
  • Trash grabbersqty 4
  • Broomsqty 4
  • Dustpan and brushqty 4
  • Mopsqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 6
  • Spongesqty 12
  • Microfiber clothsqty 20
  • Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

  • Groceries
    • Whole wheat bread - 20 loaves
    • White rolls - 120 pieces
    • Whole grain rolls - 60 pieces
    • Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
    • Unsalted butter - 2 packs
    • Young cheese - 5 kilos
    • Boiled ham - 4 kilos
    • Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
    • Hummus - 2 kilos
    • Peanut butter - 4 jars
    • Strawberry jam - 4 jars
    • Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
    • Ketchup - 3 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Lettuce - 12 heads
    • Tomatoes - 8 kilo
    • Cucumbers - 6 kilos
    • Peppers - 4 kilos
    • Carrots - 5 kilos
    • Apples - 15 kilo
    • Bananas - 12 kilo
    • Grapes - 8 kilos
    • Oranges - 10 kilos
    • Muesli bars - 180 pieces
    • Currant buns - 80 pieces
    • Paprika chips - 10 bags
    • Plain chips - 10 bags
    • Snacks - 6 bags
    • Cookies - 8 packs
    • Brownies - 100 pieces
    • Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
    • Chicken wrap filling - 5 kilo
    • Falafel - 3 kilos
    • Rice salad - 8 kilos
    • Pasta salad - 8 kilo
    • Potato salad - 6 kilos
    • Vegetarian pasta salad - 4 kilos
    • Gluten-Free Pasta Salad - 2 kilos
    • Oat milk - 8 liters
    • Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
    • Coffee - 3 kilos
    • Tea - 200 bags
    • Sugar - 2 kilos
    • Sweeteners - 2 boxes
    • Cola - 12 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 12 bottles
    • Orange soda - 8 bottles
    • Iced tea - 8 bottles
    • Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
    • Still mineral water - 30 bottles
    • Sports drink - 120 bottles
    • Apple juice - 8 liters
    • Orange juice - 8 liters
    • Alcohol-free beer - 48 cans
    • Beer - 120 cans
    • White wine - 12 bottles
    • RosΓ© - 8 bottles
    • Ice cubes - 20 kilo
    • Lemons - 3 kilos
    • Limes - 2 kilos
    • Salt - 1 pack
    • Pepper - 1 jar
    • Olive oil - 2 bottles
    • Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
    • Paper napkins - 500 pieces
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Toilet paper - 48 rolls
    • Trash bags - 100 pieces
    • Compostable snack boxes - 250 pieces
    • Wooden forks - 250 pieces
    • Wooden knives - 250 pieces
    • Wooden spoons - 250 pieces
    • Coffee filters - 200 pieces
    • Dish soap - 2 bottles
    • Hand soap - 6 bottles
    • Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
    • Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
    • All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
    • Cleaning wipes - 6 packs
    • Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes
    • Bandages - 4 boxes
    • Sterile gauze pads - 4 packs
    • Sports tape - 12 rolls
    • Elastic bandages - 12 pieces
    • Disinfectant - 4 bottles
    • Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
    • Face masks - 50 pieces
    • Pen and paper - 2 sets

Tips

  • Plan at least one rugby ball for each match in progress, plus two spare balls for the tournament. Check every ball with the pump and keep spare needles on site.
  • Allow 2–3 litres of drinking water per player for a full tournament day, with extra water for referees and volunteers. Put filled jerry cans and cups beside each pitch before the first match.
  • Bring one first aid kit per active pitch and at least 6–10 ice packs for a tournament with several teams. Check contents and expiry dates 2–3 days before the event.
  • Prepare shelter and seating before teams arrive: one folding table for registration, separate tables for refreshments and prizes, and enough benches or chairs for each team area. Add rain ponchos and blankets if the forecast is unsettled.
  • Pack match-control supplies in one labelled box: whistles, stopwatches, scoreboards, cones, field-marking tape, measuring tapes and printed forms. Keep a second set of key items, such as a whistle and stopwatch, with the competition supervisor.

Frequently asked questions

How many rugby balls do I need for a tournament?
Plan one match ball for every match played at the same time, plus two spare balls for the tournament. For example, four simultaneous matches require at least six rugby balls.
How much water should I buy for a rugby tournament?
Budget 2–3 litres per player for a full day, then add water for referees, volunteers and warm weather. Buy or fill the water jerry cans at least one day before the tournament.
What first aid supplies are needed for a rugby tournament?
Keep one complete first aid kit beside each active pitch and at least 6–10 ice packs available for a multi-team event. Check the kits 2–3 days beforehand and replace missing or expired items.
When should I buy prizes and medals for a rugby tournament?
Order prizes and medals at least 3–4 weeks before the tournament, especially if names or categories need to be added. Check the quantities against the final competition format one week before the event.

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