The summer of 2009 see two significant tours to the southern hemisphere: firstly, the British and Irish Lions will return to South Africa; secondly (and more importantly!) Yorkshire Terriers will return to New Zealand.

The Yorkshire Terriers have history back to 1997 but 2001 saw the first official Terriers' tour with rugby in the USA, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. 2009 sees us undertaking the challenge of a full tour itinerary through this beautiful country which justifiably has a reputation for being the hardest place to come to as a touring rugby team.

My first exposure to Yorkshire Terriers came before that 2001 tour when I attended a fund-raising dinner to support a friend's son (Michael Lewis) who had been selected to tour. What struck me that evening was the enormity of the opportunity being presented to those young players and the ambition and dedication of the management team.

In that regards nothing has changed since; what has changed for me is the chance to be formally involved. Alan extended the invitation to be Tour Manager in late 2007 as we stood watching the final Yorkshire Under 17 trials at QEGS. The invitation left me speechless although I did mange to immediately thank him and say yes. It was an invitation that just couldn't be refused. I then had to ring my wife and break the good news (i.e. ask her permission, even though I'd already said yes!!!!)

Following those trials I was involved with coaching that county Under 17 side and we went through our programme unbeaten. Everyone involved commented on what an impressive bunch of lads we had and it is significant again that our touring party is drawn heavily from that squad. I have every confidence that our touring party will enhance the reputation of Yorkshire Terriers as a side that play hard but fair rugby.

So to New Zealand;our tour will begin in earnest almost 12,000 miles from home in Queenstown. The resort town in Central Otago lies to the southwest of New Zealand's south island. We will play our first tour match almost as far away from Yorkshire as you can practically travel.

We will then move gradually northwards via Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua - all names that resonate with rugby fans around the world - before ending up in the rugby stronghold of Auckland.

We expect the rugby to be tough and uncompromising as well as a test of our core skills. The playing preparation began a good 18 months before the tour with the appointment of a coaching team and selection of the touring squad. Coaching has historically been of the highest quality on Terriers' tours and this tour upholds that tradition.

The first training session was held in May 2008, a good 15 months before departure and reflects the commitment of the coaching team to ensure that nothing is left to chance.

However rugby is only a part of the Terriers' experience. All the tourists are expected to throw themselves fully behind the preparation for the tour. This means hard work on and off the pitch. The "off pitch" work involves fundraising through various initiatives and the support of families, friends and sponsors is greatly appreciated.

Once on tour all the tourist are expected to uphold the fine reputation of Yorkshire rugby by working hard, showing appreciation to hosts, respect for opponents and a great interest and understanding of other cultures. I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to capture memories that will last forever.

Our motto is Carpe Diem "Seize the day". I urge all the players to seize the opportunity to learn from every day and become better players and more importantly better people. I have no doubt that friendships will be made that will last a lifetime.

We are fortunate to all share a love of the world's greatest game and I'm confident we will have the experience of a lifetime in a country that shares our passion.

Brendan Hurley
Tour Manager