This is what you call a rugby tour with a difference...most of our touring teams are itching to get away from the UK for a few days but Canadian side Strathona Druids RFC couldn’t wait to embark on their 14 day tour to Blighty. The tour began with 32 tourists travelling from Edmonton (Canada) to London Gatwick where their 2 week rugby adventure would take them to Nottingham, Birmingham, Sheffield, York, Hull and London.

First stop the Midlands and a stone’s throw from Teamlink HQ. The boys spent two nights in Nottingham where they experienced a Go Ape high wire course and a training session with Nottingham Moderns RFC. Next the team headed across to Birmingham and their first tour fixture where the lads put in a brave effort against a very experienced Moseley RFC but lost 52-0. Free days in Birmingham were spent visiting Warwick Castle to experience some true British History plus an invite back to Moseley to watch their 1st 15 play a pre season friendly.

Next up,the squad moved on to Sheffield with another rugby fixture on route against Dinnington RFC. The team missed out a win (37-12) but enjoyed their 3 days recovery whilst sightseeing in Sheffield. Moving further north to York for more sightseeing and a third match against York RUFC. Strathcona U19s put on a great show but were defeated by the locals 32-12. Onwards now to Hull, where in touring tradition the boys billeted and played against Hymers College who had visited Canada and Strathona RFC twice previously. Their stay in Hull also allowed time for a tour excursion to the Deep Aquarium – the world’s only submarium!

And finally, no UK tour would be complete without experiencing London.  As an end to their multi city tour, the Strathcona U19s headed back to the capital for 3 days' sightseeing before jetting off back to Edmonton.

If you are an international sports team looking for an inbound tour to the UK enquire online for a tailor made quotation for your team.

Submitted: 10th September 2010