06/05/2022
***Wilmslow Under 14 Wolf Pack On Tour In Italy***
Branco di Lupi - Wolf pack on tour to Parma, Italy
Our U14 Wolves returned on Monday from an action-packed tour to Parma, Italy. Tours are a long-standing rugby tradition, giving children (and parents!) opportunities to experience the game they love in a different environment, to forge new friendships with their hosts, and to build friendships with their team mates that often last a lifetime.
On arrival day, the boys went straight into training, with expert coaching from the staff of Zebre Rugby Parma. After a quick meal at the Tre Viole Clubhouse, we checked into our Tour Hotel & spent time relaxing in each other’s company (with maybe a beer or two for the adults).
Day 2 saw 2 Wilmslow teams compete in the Torneo Lupo Alberto, a national festival of rugby attracting the best teams from across the country, some teams travelling over 200km to attend. Wilmslow gave a great account of themselves, coming 6th and 10th against players sometimes 18months their senior. The parents were treated to a very high standard of rugby throughout the day.
Day 3, and more rugby. This time in XVs match play against teams from Lyons Piacenaza, and Cus Milano, hosted by Rugby Lyons Piacenza at their impressive grounds.
As well as the on-field action, the players enjoyed the sights & sounds of Italy through evening trips into the local town, and an action-packed day of go-carting on their final day.
Boys & parents arrived back in the early hours of Tuesday morning, tired but grateful to have had such an amazing experience.
The young players were impressed at the Italian teams’ discipline, particularly in clean tackling, and strong defensive play. They enjoyed taking part in new traditions that foster teamwork & respect, including both teams running onto the pitch together before play, and having both teams huddle at the end of the full game. They gained experience in adapting their game to play under the FIR (The Italian Rugby Federation) rules, and against boys often bigger, older and stronger than them.
Huge thanks go to our Italian hosts for their excellent hospitality & the experiences they gave our players. To the Club Committee, for its ongoing support of the Junior section. To U14 Manager Marcus Uprichard for pulling off an exceptionally well-organised tour, to all of the sponsors whose generosity helped to fund the tour including the splendid tour kit, and to all in the background that have enabled this to happen.
Finally a huge high-five to our boys, they demonstrated excellent sportsmanship throughout the tournament. They were a credit to themselves, and our club.
