Well, it’s official — the U13s are home, unbroken, and absolutely buzzing. The same cannot be said for their coaches, who required considerably more recovery time. We’re told they’re fine. We’re choosing to believe that.

The verdict from the boys? Utterly, overwhelmingly brilliant. The feedback has been nothing short of fantastic — from the coasteering (yes, they did it, and yes, it was exactly as freezing as it sounds) to the rugby, to taking in the Newcastle Red Bulls, this tour delivered on every front.

ICE-COLD WATER. HOWLING NORTHUMBERLAND WINDS. THE BOYS LOVED IT.

A number of parents have since been in touch to say they’d have loved to join the trip. We admire the enthusiasm. However, given the conditions — biting coastal winds and water temperatures that can only be described as “bracing” — we suspect that staying at home with a warm brew was probably a better option.

A special mention too for the moments between the rugby — the camaraderie, the laughs, the shared suffering in wetsuits that, as you may recall, did not entirely keep out the cold. These are the experiences that build not just better players, but better teammates and lifelong friends.

WITH THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS

Intelli-Hood - https://www.intelli-hood.co.uk/
Barnsdale’s Property Group - https://www.barnsdales.co.uk/
Brownhills Motor Homes - https://www.brownhills.co.uk/

None of this happens without you. Truly — thank you.

To every player, coach, organiser, and sponsor who made this tour possible — thank you. The U13s came back tired, windswept, and full of stories. That’s exactly what a rugby tour should do.