Allez Les Blues! Chichester hop the Channel for rugby trip

A squad of Chichester RFC under-tens crossed the Channel to play against teams from the twin city of Chartres – and returned victorious.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Nov 2014, 13:00 BST
Chichester under-tens and their Chartres hostsChichester under-tens and their Chartres hosts
Chichester under-tens and their Chartres hosts

The boys won all their matches convincingly, even beating an under-12 side despite having to adapt quickly to the French version of the game including contested scrums, line-outs and kicking that do not feature at under-ten level back home.

Eighteen boys plus parents and coaches made the long trip and were hosted by French families who had sons playing. As well as the rugby, there was an official reception at the town hall, a trip to Chartres Cathedral, fun at an aquatic centre and a big party.

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Trip organiser Emma Heaver said: “The event went really well and everyone enjoyed it and adapted to the language barrier. It was a great opportunity for the English boys to go on tour, play rugby and experience French culture.”

The Friends of Chartres sponsored a trophy, which will now be played for annually by Chichester and Chartres. A re-match is planned to take place in Chichester in May next year.

The under-tens have started the season well, winning the recent Crawley Festival after both teams went through their pool matches unbeaten and ended up playing each other in a thrilling final.