Bath Rugby Tour

My first rugby tour experience, Under 12’s, and boy it was one to remember. Everything from meeting up at the rugby club, boys and parents alike, all in eager competition to see which person was going to win the prize for the best funny hat. This was the ‘tour theme’. All the lads piling on the bus singing songs and playing music through the captains big speaker, it goes everywhere with us, home and away matches. Arriving at the hostel in Bath, lads in dormatories, parents over in the upmarket rooms we had to try and get a good nights sleep, how was that going to happen! We played great hosts and opposition on the first day, Walcot RFC and on the Sunday, a round robin against Bradford on Avon at Avon rugby club. Watched my first live Premiership rugby match at the Recreation Ground in Bath, Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints, amazing experience and one which I will always remember for many reasons, what goes on tour stays on tour!

Next up – Gloucester Rugby Tour – Under 13’s

The tour theme to Gloucestershire was Superheroes, I was Batman and my good friend was Robin. The rules were for the whole weekend unless we were playing rugby, costumes must be worn 24/7. We had a right laugh. We watched two premiership matches, first one Friday evening Worcester Warriors v Wasps at Sixways stadium and Saturday afternoon Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons at Kingsholm. We played 2 matches and attended an indoor racing simulator centre Saturday night which was great fun and competitive, not sure who was more, lads or parents!

West London Rugby Tour – Under 14’s Where’s Wally!

We all know Wally and there we were all 40 of us. Our tours were such great fun, as many parents attended as players, can’t think why only dads came this time, think the mums couldn’t hack it anymore! So, red and white stripes and wearing scarfs and stupid little round glasses off we went with the tour speaker on the coach to West London. The rule this time was every time our head coach shouted ‘where’s wally’ we all had to hide. We played a match in the evening as soon as we arrived against Stains RFC with some superb after match games and grub with the opposition. We watched 2 premiership rugby games over the weekend, Wasps v Saracens, Wasps playing at their old ground and London Irish v Sale Sharks at the Majeski Stadium.

Under 15’s – Not sure what happened this year, maybe the parents needed more time to get over the last one!

Exeter Rugby Tour – Under 16’s

A smaller group this time around, not so many adults, just the coaches and younger coaches assisting off we went with our usual coach company and favourite coach driver, Mike to Exeter. The theme was Military/Army related attire. On the way we stopped off at Plymouth Albion rugby ground to watch England u23’s play against Italy U23’s, fantastic atmosphere and a great start to the tour. We stayed in the centre of Exeter, played two games each morning, Newton Abbot who we hosted whilst they toured Cornwall the previous year and Sunday was a very wet and muddy memorable game against Oakhampton RFC. They were a strong side and competitive rugby was at its best. Whilst in Exeter we watched Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, we all met and had selfies with the legend Rob Baxter.

As a young lad growing up and playing rugby these 4 weekends are cherished highlights and won’t be forgotten for many years to come. It is the priceless memories like this which makes touring with your sports team so important. Oh I nearly forgot – the toilet seat around Rob’s neck has been on all our trips too! Don’t ask!

2021 Rugby Tours?

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the past 2 touring seasons have been non-existent however eventually we will rise with vengeance and tour once again with great spirits and our heads held high.