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Senior Tour News

Nick Rich6 Dec 2012 - 21:06
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Saltash Rugby Tour News The British and Irish Lions are not the only squad of players going abroad on tour this season, Saltash are going to Buzancais in France once again. While it is a tour not quite steeped in the same level of history as the “Lions”. Saltash and Buzancais have been meeting each other on a home and away basis for some considerable time, in what has developed into a unique fixture in the world of rugby.


At Saltash we consider ourselves very fortunate to be involved and are keen to continue with the arrangement for some time to come. There have been times when Buzancais have struggled with numbers, as we did when planning the event for Easter of this Year.

With the names we have on the list, it is good to see there are a new breed of tourists coming through and we are sure you will find the weekend an entertaining one. As well as having the opportunity to play our wonderful game on foreign shores, there is also the cultural differences between the 2 nations that make the weekend so enjoyable.

As tourists, we will be treated with a good deal of French hospitality throughout the weekend, and there will be various events laid on for us, in addition to the rugby.

The weekend is likely to cost £150, with your deposit payable as soon as possible, as we will need to pay a deposit for the coach and ferry. There will also be other expenditure we will need to plan for, so will be asking for the final balance at the end of January so that the balance of the coach can be paid.
You can pay in cash, cheque to Nick Rich or any member of the organising committee, or by using your card over the bar.

If you have not yet signed up, there is still time, so just add your name and contact number to the list and ensure you get your deposit in.

Plan of events
The tour committee are currently exploring these before confirming, although our preference is to leave Saltash on Thursday 28th March 2013 to travel to Portsmouth, where we will take an overnight ferry to Caen.

We will travel down through France, stopping over in Tours on the way through for a break, a bite to eat and drink, before travelling to Buzancais to arrive around 5pm.

Once there, we will meet our hosts at their clubhouse before returning to their homes to freshen up and enjoy the French hospitality.

Saturday – Generally we play 2 games and would like to have enough players for 2 games.

Sunday – There is generally one match where we will play with our French hosts against a local side.

Monday – Early, we will leave Buzancais and travel back to Roscoff to take the ferry to Plymouth, returning about 10 pm to Saltash.

Frequently asked questions –

Who is organising the event? – We currently have an organising committee consisting of – Nick Rich, Andy Horlock, John Harding, Dave Jackson, Rob Eatwell, Connor Brady, Deborah Woolway, Steve O’Melia, Jim Virgo and Dave Matheron.

What will I get out of it? – It has always been an excellent “Bonding” experience for those that go on tour, with friendships forged and strengthened, not just with your comrades, but also with our friends in Buzancais.

Will I have to pay out any other funds? – We do recommend taking a gift of some sort for your host, who you will be staying with over the weekend, as a gesture of thanks. In addition, you will need some spending money for the weekend. We will also be arranging the usual “Tour shirt” for all, which is generally an inexpensive article of clothing, which will also be necessary “Rig” at some stage of the weekend.

Do I need an up to date passport? – Yes, as a previous tourist found to their cost, they were left behind at the port.

I am not a player, am I still able to go on tour? – yes you are, as with any tourists abroad, there is always a need for travelling support, which is most welcome, even in the most hostile and partisan of environments (which Buzancais generally isn’t). The more the merrier is the rule, as there is plenty to do, and always a friendly and welcoming environment. Please note, the tour is also open to wives and girlfriends should they wish to come along.
How do I find out more about the tour? – Check the club website for any announcements as well as the notice board. We will also be holding further meetings in the coming months to provide more information.

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