The World according to Sibs or.......... Recent History of Luton Rugby Football Club Tours
| 2005 | Canadian Club and other High Altitude actvities..... |
| The next more recent official club tour was a major step in to the unknown, an International tour to Canada, in 2005. From an early stage it was decided to organise the tour separate from any company, and use our contacts in Calgary to organise the Canadian side on out behalf. The overall cost per tourist worked out at £750, with each person receiving a tour kit bag valued at around £200 each. All of the tour party took part in fund raising events during the year leading up to the tour the most notable being the Ladies Evenings. In the middle of June the intrepid party of 29, travelled to Canada and played Calgary Hornets in their first game. The weather conditions couldn’t have been any worse, torrential rain, freezing high winds with ice forming in the puddles on the pitch, so much for flaming June. Calgary eventually won a hard fought game, with their inside centre actually being substituted at half time with hypothermia. From here we moved on to Red Deer in the mainly farming region of Colorado, and played at high altitude in sweltering heat with little or no air (as it seemed), against 40+ opposition. (apparently they don’t get many tourists and all wanted to play us). Eventually against the weather conditions and a never ending supply of fresh young legs the home side ran out winners. In order to recuperate from our ordeals we moved on to the town of Banff in the Rocky Mountains. As part of a team building adventure we took part in a white water rafting session and as usual the competitiveness took over with boats being boarded and occupants being kidnapped. After two days of high altitude training (drinking), we headed for the capital of Edmonton, and our final game against the Edmonton Clansmen, and the Churchill Cup Final. The game was hard fought and by now our touring side was suffering heavily with injuries mainly of the hangover kind, and it even required the introduction of our secret weapon JD, who although slightly longer in the tooth than most tourists put in a fine display, resulting in a win for the Luton touring side. The tour ended with a visit to the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton to watch England A take on Argentina in the final of the Churchill Cup, and Luton Rugby Club receiving a mention on Sky Sports who were covering the game (Copies are available). After a resounding victory we returned to our hotel which by the way is where the England side were staying, and resulted in the Luton Rugby Club tourists being invited by the England captain to join them on their team bus and party the night away at a local venue. One thing I must add is that on each of our tours, an official Tour Judge sits in residence and dishes out severe punishment to all those who do not conform to the Tour Rules. Court sessions take place on a regular basis and definitely add to the fun and memories of the tour. |
Since my first involvement with Luton Rugby Club some 30 or so years ago, I have been privileged to be a participant in several senior tours over the years. In providing this piece for the website I hope I have given you an insight into 'what goes on tour' without breaking the golden rule!
Mark Sibley
November 2008
I'd like to use the space below for pictures of this tours...please email me with any that you have.
Luton Rugby Football Club
01582 - 720355
