Paris Rugby Tour 2022
During half term, 44 students and four members of staff embarked on the first overseas sports tour for a number of years – the Paris Rugby tour. Setting off in the early hours and making progress through the tunnel and to Paris for their first stop at the Eiffel Tower, the students had the opportunity to walk around the surrounding area, getting the coach travel out of their system.
With the hotel located just outside the Disneyland complex, it was perfect for the School party, allowing unlimited buffet breakfasts and evening meals; for those with adolescent boys this was clearly fantastic news as it guaranteed that the boys were fed and watered well every day.
The tour saw the group visit the Montparnasse Tower with views over Paris, unfortunately the low cloud obstructed some of the more famous landmarks, but being 250 metres above the Paris Skyline was thrilling. The Stade De France was an excellent tour, giving students the chance to sit in the changing rooms and run out onto the pitch as their idols have, and as they have seen on TV. A river boat cruise along the River Seine provided an opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy the views around Paris in the sunshine; from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame cathedral and the Statue of Liberty.
Whilst the emphasis of the tour was about having fun and enjoying each other’s company, the tour was also about playing rugby, and both teams (U14 and U16) played two matches whilst on tour.
Unfortunately the French opposition was a little strong on each occasion, however the games were very competitive and enabled the students to play on some excellent surfaces at two great venues against two clubs who hosted the boys exceptionally well.
The players of the tour were:
U14 – Year 8’s Isaac, Ollie and Liam, and Year 9’s Angus
U16 – Year 11’s Tolly, Oscar and Year 10’s Archie
Tourist of the week – Year 9’s Oliver for all his help, talk and classic one-liners throughout the week.
Thank you to all that came on the tour and we look forward to the next one soon.
