As the Marseille Beach Rugby (20-21/6/26) opens a new chapter as part of the EBRA Series, expectations are high for an edition that brings together youth and senior competition in a renewed organizational framework. We spoke with Lionel Laugier, one of the organisers, to understand the vision behind the event, the future of the tournament, and the evolution of beach rugby as a growing discipline in Europe.

* **How do you see this edition of the Marseille Beach Rugby?**
It is the first stop of the EBRA Series and we are ready to welcome the youth starting from Wednesday, followed by the senior categories. This edition represents a phase of renewal, supported by a strong organisational effort.

* **What are your expectations and how far would you like to grow your tournament?**
We have planned two days dedicated to youth rugby, on Wednesday and Sunday. We will try to build a tournament that can grow around the future EBRA Youth Series.

* **In your opinion, what makes beach rugby so dynamic and exciting?**
It is an extraordinary sporting experience: fast-paced and stripped of traditional set-piece constraints (no scrums, no lineouts, no mauls…). It is a game based on ball movement, evasion, and attractive tackling. The two-second rule is essential to preserve the original spirit of the discipline, inspired also by the experience of our Italian friends who helped found this sport.

* **What would it take for this discipline to take a definitive step forward?**
A European Nations Championship already exists with Rugby Europe, and on our side we created EBRA in 2012, which operates independently as a semi-professional organisation. It has done a great deal to structure the sport around respect for the rules by players and referees, supported by an experienced refereeing group. What is now needed is to secure financial resources to take the next step and stabilise the organisation towards a sustainable level of professionalism.