From Six Teams to Eighty-Four: How Steve Redfern Built Europe's Biggest Beach Rugby Weekend in Magaluf

Oliver sits down with Steve Redfern, former Leicester, England and Sheffield Eagles prop, who seventeen years ago brought six teams to a beach in Mallorca and started what is now one of Europe's biggest beach rugby tournaments. This year's edition had 84 teams, six pitches, more women's teams than men's, and an estimated two million euros flowing into the Magaluf economy over one weekend. Steve talks about the pink card that stops fights, the German team that brings ham and flags, the referees who double as crowd entertainers, and why he has never introduced prize money. Plus: next year's dates are confirmed and bookings are already filling up.Steve Redfern is a former professional rugby player (Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles) and the founder and organiser of Mallorca Beach Rugby, one of Europe's largest full-contact beach rugby tournaments. He has been running the event on Magaluf beach for 17 years.Steve Redfern: Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles (late 70s/80s)Retired from playing due to double retina detachmentMallorca Beach Rugby: 17 years, started in Santa Ponza, moved to Magaluf year two2026 edition: 84 teams (record), 6 pitches, 5,000-6,000 spectators2027 dates: 1-2 May (opening party 30 April), first UK May bank holidayWomen's competition: now equal or more teams than men'sVets tournament: 12 men's teams, 6 women's teamsAuburn: women's team from year two, still competing, won trophy this yearBremen: German team, 12-13 years attending, tent/flags/ham traditionMatthias: Bremen organiserPink card: players must kiss and hug to defuse tensionRoger Musi Memorial Trophy: named after late Mambo's DJRules: 5-a-side, rolling subs, 4 mins each way, no scrums/line-outsSponsors: Tom Brown's, Blackbeard's, Crusoe's, Chili Lounge, the SquareCalvia Council support, Mayor (former Old Toro player) presents prizesPembroke: first team booked for 2027Scottish national team once played under a fake nameEconomic impact: estimated two million eurosWebsite: mallorcabeachrugby.comLuna Radio: where Steve and Oliver first met00:00 Intro / Steve's playing career (Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles)01:40 The retina detachment that ended his playing days02:28 How Mallorca Beach Rugby started (Italy trip, Magaluf boys' weekend)03:17 Year one in Santa Ponza, year two in Magaluf04:52 From 6 teams to 84: the growth05:18 Rules of beach rugby explained06:13 The social side: rugby players in Magaluf08:27 The pink card: kiss and make up09:04 Why there is no prize money10:19 Women's teams: from one to majority11:50 Vets tournament and diversity of players13:01 Bremen: the German team that defines the spirit14:15 Roger Musi Memorial Trophy14:46 Next year: dates, bookings, and how to enter15:56 Economic impact: 5,000 people, two million euros17:05 Calvia Council and the Mayor18:25 Biggest beach rugby tournament in Europe?19:00 Come and watch: why non-rugby fans love ithttps://www.majorcabeachrugby.co.uk/Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.esPlease follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media:FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.esFACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorcaINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/