Last month Strathcona Girls High School Under 18s Rugby Team spent nine glorious days on a rugby tour to Ireland. The team from Alberta are a major player in Canadian High School Rugby and we were delighted to look after them during their Irish rugby tour.
“The girls had an amazing time and I’ve heard nothing but good words,” said Head Coach, Kara Haslam. “They came home with huge smiles and lots of stories of a great experience and happy memories.”
The Canadian School’s itinerary was packed with both rugby and non-rugby activities and showcased Ireland as a place for people with a wide variety of interests. With the help of our partners we were able to balance the team’s pursuit of all things Irish rugby and sport with the students’ interest in culture and history.
Strathcona High had three matches against top class teams; St Mary’s RFC in Munster, Ashbourne RFC and Wexford Wanderers in Leinster. They also had three training sessions with former rugby internationals and coaches in Dublin, Galway and Limerick.
Action Packed Nine Days on Rugby Tour to Ireland
The team from Alberta were treated to a visit to Ireland’s largest stadium and the home of Hurling and Gaelic Football, Croke Park. They were later invited to try their the hand at the same games at the nearby Experience Gaelic Games in Glasnevin.
After a visit to Dublin Castle, the squad headed west to the home of the Irish language, The Aran Islands, before setting sail past the dramatic rock faces of the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.
One of the highlights of the tour was a morning spent Kayaking on Britain and Ireland’s longest river the River Shannon in Limerick. There was too a visit to Bunratty Castle and Heritage Centre where the team learnt all about life in ancient Ireland.
The squad spent a night under the twinkling hilly lights of Cork City before travelling to the sunny Southeast and the spectacular Curracloe Beach, famous for the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan and the more recent Oscar-nominated movie Brooklyn.
“As a trip leader and head coach, this was my first time planning an international rugby tour for high school students,” said Kara. “I would definitely travel with Irish Rugby Tours again in the future and plan to recommend Irish Rugby Tours to other club and school groups. Thank you for a fantastic experience.”
About Irish Rugby Tours
Irish Rugby Tours is based in the heart of Munster. The company has been organising and hosting both Irish and international rugby tour groups for over sixteen years. In that time, it has built strong and trusted relationships with rugby communities, rugby coaches, activity and accommodation providers across Ireland, the UK, continental Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
