The S4 Rugby team had a fantastic experience touring Northern Ireland during the September long weekend. 

Upon arrival in Belfast the team visited St George’s Market for brunch and then enjoyed the  Belfast City Sightseeing tour on the open top bus.

In the afternoon the pupils played their first match of the tour against Friends’ School Lisburn. The team made a good account of themselves despite already having been awake and on the move for 14 hours, scoring a couple of great tries in the process.

Result: Friends’ School Lisburn 38 RGC 14.

Day 2 saw the pupils participate in a team building day at Ganaway Activity Centre where they had the chance to try out the high ropes course, laser clay pigeon shooting as well as some crazy golf.

On the penultimate day of the tour, the team played their second game against Ballymena Rugby Club. Mr Mckay, Teacher in Charge of Rugby, gave his account of the match sharing: “We played our second game on Tour against Ballymena Rugby Club in what could only be described as Monsoon weather! Our hosts very kindly allowed the game to go ahead on their 1st XV pitch which was a treat for their U16 team as much as ours.

“We got off to a fantastic start, scoring two brilliant tries. However, as the weather worsened and the ball became extremely slippery, we were unable to put together any significant attacking plays. They were able to use their big ball carriers to good effect to claw back 2 tries to tie the game going into the final few minutes.

“For me, then came the best moment on tour and a great example of sportsmanship. The opposition drove over the try line but the referee indicated that it was held up and did not award the try. However, Jamie R informed the referee that the try had indeed been scored despite meaning that we would lose the game. It was a great lesson for us all in sportsmanship and integrity.

Result: Ballymena RFC 19 RGC 12

Before coming home, the team visited the Titanic Experience and then Ulster Rugby, where they had the opportunity to meet some of their professional players and ask them questions as well as see what facilities they have there as professional sportsmen.

Giving his thanks to all involved, Mr McKay added: “A huge thanks to Mr McLeod, Mr Riddle and Mr Taylor for accompanying us on tour and helping make it such a great experience for the boys.

“Also, many thanks to all the parents who supported the fundraising events as well as enabling their children to participate in the tour. Finally, a massive thanks to the team for conducting themselves so well on tour and being brilliant ambassadors for the College.”