The World according to Sibs or.......... Recent History of Luton Rugby Football Club Tours
| 2003 | Cornish Capers - Broken Busses, Batman, Booze & ...... |
| Moving on swiftly, Newquay 2003. This was my first involvement in organising a senior rugby tour and actually started as most do over a few pints after a match. Enquiries were made and the services of a tour company engaged, the overall cost per tourist being around £150. After a hearty breakfast the intrepid tourists boarded the some what elderly coach carrying with them supplies of liquid refreshment (beer) for the arduous journey to Newquay. At the last minute a club stalwart Steve Ashby arrived with the remnants of a house party, namely 3 or 4 dustbin bags full of more liquid refreshment (more beer). Having consumed a few beers with breakfast, and by the time we reached the M25, the sole toilet on the coach had a distinct aroma and you needed wellies to use it. As with all hardened tourists, this minor problem did not prevent hours of fun being had on the journey, singing, drinking, playing practical jokes, drinking, drinking games, and of course drinking. Everything went well until we entered the West Country and the coach broke down, leaving us stranded in a lay by, more than half cut. As in most cases of crisis, a veteran player suggested that a game of touch rugby take place to pass the time. The game started off in the true spirit but soon changed as the beer took effect and the competitiveness took over. Full contact followed with some very big and illegal hits taking place. Several players / supporters made the painful trip through the hedge row in to a field. Eventually we made it to the hotel which resembled a larger version of Fawlty Towers. The following days saw us taking on a St.Ives side in the customary touring match, which we won even with hangovers. The Sunday saw the more youthful players take part in an annual 7’s tournament as invited guests. Probably one of the main highlights of this tour took place at this tournament, Batman and Robin made a guest appearance halting play for a short period of time, and several of the players had their drinks “spiked” with Viagra which caused a few embarrassing moments during the games when the pills took effect. The tournament finished with a fantastic sing song led by our own Jamie Twigg, which our guests commented on as being one of the best they had ever had. |
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
