Forty-two pupils from Years 7 and 8 enjoyed an unforgettable five-day rugby tour to Italy during the November half-term, combining competitive rugby, professional coaching and cultural experiences with plenty of fun, friendship and team-building along the way.
Based in the coastal town of Jesolo, the tour got off to an exciting start before the boys travelled to Padua for their first training session and fixtures against Valsugana Padova and CUS Padova. Facing strong Italian opposition, the boys were challenged to adapt to a different style of age-grade rugby, with modified rules providing an opportunity to develop their understanding of the game. They rose to the challenge superbly, embracing more tactical kicking and even attempting their first-ever conversions.
One of the standout moments of the trip was a visit to professional rugby club Benetton Treviso. The boys enjoyed a two-hour coaching session led by professional coaches, followed by a tour of the stadium, offering a fascinating insight into life at the highest level of the game. The experience was made even more memorable when several professional players took time to meet the group, including Michele Lamaro, captain of both Benetton Rugby and the Italian national team. It was a truly special opportunity and one that will undoubtedly inspire the boys for years to come.
Away from the rugby pitch, there was plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy everything Italy had to offer. An afternoon of team-building activities in Jesolo provided plenty of entertainment, while Wednesday brought a visit to the beautiful city of Venice. After a boat trip and guided walking tour, the boys returned to the rugby field for their final fixtures against Castellana and Asolo Rugby, rounding off an exciting and competitive playing programme.
Naturally, the boys also embraced the culinary delights of Italy. Pizza, pasta and bread featured heavily throughout the five days, although one particularly memorable lunch raised the bar when an impressive 2.5 kilograms of prosciutto was shared among the group, providing the ingredients for some enormous Subway-style sandwiches.
The fun continued long after the final whistle each day, with evenings spent on the well-lit beach in Jesolo. From running relays to the fiercely contested ‘King of the Dunes’, the boys threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm. There was plenty of laughter, healthy competition and the occasional missing flip-flop, making these evenings some of the most enjoyable moments of the entire tour.
While the rugby provided plenty of competitive highlights, the tour offered so much more. Travelling together gave the boys a valuable opportunity to develop their independence, resilience and teamwork, experience a different culture and strengthen friendships. Most importantly, they returned with memories that will last a lifetime.
