Writes Edward Conway, Director of Rugby
Over the Easter holidays, 24 of our Fourths pupils enjoyed a fantastic U14 Rugby Tour to the Basque region of France and Spain. Departing early on Thursday 26th March, we flew to Bordeaux and then transferred over to Isle Verte in Soustons. Upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to see the rooms had been renovated. Once we had settled the boys in, we spent time as a group enjoying a walk to the Soustons Rugby Stadium and around town, before playing a three-team touch tournament later in the afternoon.
We were up and active straight away on Friday, heading to the Bayonne Rugby Performance Centre for a tour and rugby session, followed by lunch at their clubhouse. We then took the boys for a walk around Biarritz, taking in the sights from the Lighthouse and Virgin Mary Rocks. Plenty took the opportunity to find excellent crepes and pastries in town which went down well! Our evening was spent watching the Pro D2 fixture between Dax and Grenoble, with boys and staff both taking the opportunity to buy some Dax kit to support the home side.
Despite the long Friday, we were up early on Saturday for our surfing lesson. The weather just about stayed dry, though it wasn’t the warmest. There were no complaints however, and the boys thoroughly enjoyed their 90 min session in the surf at Vieux Boucau beach. Following a warm shower and some lunch, we transferred to Domaine du Pignada, our second accommodation which was in Anglet. Sticking to the busy schedule, once we had unpacked we were back out again into Biarritz for our Pelota lesson at the historic Plaza Berri. When we returned to the accommodation, Mr Richardson led a pre-dinner game of Kick Tennis and then Mr Tod took over the post-dinner games.
On Sunday, our final full day, we journeyed into Spain to spend the morning in Pamplona. We happened upon the Palm Sunday procession through the Spanish streets before the boys (and staff) enjoyed the opportunity to gorge on some sublime Burnt Basque Cheesecake. From here, we were over to the University for our fixture against Iruna Rugby Club. The match was played on a rarely-seen clay pitch, which made for an interesting experience. The boys competed really well against a slightly older side and Iruna then hosted us brilliantly at their clubhouse in the centre of town, where the boys ate plenty and enjoyed getting to know their Spanish opposition. After, everyone somehow managed to squeeze in dinner before our final daily court session.
We returned to the UK on the Monday, suitably tired and ready for a rest over Easter! Thanks to all staff who were involved.
