You wouldn’t describe Welsh Division 1 outfit Bedlinog RFC’s tours as ‘run of the mill’ by any stretch of the imagination. Over the past four years they’ve visited Milwaukee, Chicago, Toronto, Ottawa and Niagara Falls and in May 2010 added Texas to their ever expanding touring portfolio.

Not only do they tour in style, they take half the surrounding villages with them, amassing an impressive 69 tourists to the Lone Star State. With over 45 of the travelling squad donning boots, the itinerary made room for a Vets game as well as matches against San Antonio, Austin and Bay Area from the Houston region. Whilst the Welsh boys’ silky skills and neat forward play embarrassed their US cousins, the searing 100 degree heat proved a leveller in keeping score lines to respectable levels. Tours to the US incorporate hospitality unseen in any other part of the globe. Post game gatherings went long into the night with the latter match’s festivities finishing up at a local cowboy bar where second rows and prop forwards alike mastered the ‘two step’ in quick fashion.

Other tour activities included river rafting and tubing in Austin, a visit to Space Center Houston, deep sea fishing, water parks and taking in The Alamo in San Antonio to name but a few.

With three wins out of four games, tour leader Andrew Henry enjoyed the trip and commented “Once again Teamlink organised a superb tour for Bedlinog RFC. This was our 3rd tour with yourselves having previously been to Mid West (USA) and Toronto. Mark Gardner was excellent throughout, not only whilst on tour but through all the booking and deciding where to tour. He has a lot to live up to for our next tour in 2012!"

Click here to view further information on our tours to Texas or enquire for prices on sports tours to Texas and other areas of the USA.

Submitted: 15th June 2010