Rydal Penrhos School of Colwyn Bay, North Wales are enjoying a mid-season rugby tour to Japan, ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’.
Over 12 days 24 players are taking on Japan’s finest high schools in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Kyoto and Osaka, led by Director of Sport, Allen Boyd. “We’ve booked to Japan with MSG to take our students out of their comfort zones and expand their sporting and cultural horizons. We’re excited to travel around this fascinating country and play against the very best of Japanese schoolboy rugby.”
After an opening weekend in Tokyo featuring baseball, Tsukiji Fish Market, Shibuya and Ueno Park the tour headed south to Sagamihara in the Kanagawa Prefecture for two days’ billeting and an opening tour fixture.
Kendo, Judo and the boys being treated like celebrities #Japan2017 #RugbyTour @msgtours pic.twitter.com/sI0FZbLQPk
— Rydal Penrhos Sport (@RydalPenSport) 13 December 2017
Some more pics from Tokai Sagami, new friends made and fond memories! @rugby_global @Rugby_Family @FifteenRugbyXV #Japan2017 #RugbyTour pic.twitter.com/hI80amXnaa
— Rydal Penrhos Sport (@RydalPenSport) 14 December 2017
The tough opening fixture saw the hosts progress to a 34-19 victory despite a valiant effort from Rydal’s matchday squad. With two matches remaining the boys will be leaning on the words and advice of MSG Ambassador and ex-British & Irish Lion, Tim Stimpson who visited the players for a pre-tour talk in November.
Delighted to have @msgtours and @lionsofficial #15 @timstimpson join us today discussing #Tour #Culture with our players ahead for their trip to @JRFURugby #Japan2017 INSPIRATIONAL! Thanks Tim! 👏🏻@ovalzonerugby @FifteenRugbyXV pic.twitter.com/bGubyBDk5e
— Rydal Penrhos Sport (@RydalPenSport) 22 November 2017
Hearing of the setback, Tim sent the following message:
“Congratulations guys. From the match report, I’m told that you left nothing behind! Remember all anyone can ask themselves is to do your best. So you all now have received the gift that so few in the world can say – that you have played your best rugby away on tour in Japan. But now you have this experience, your best possible performance has just gone up 6 or 7%. You now have to recover quickly, apply this knowledge and be 20% more confident when you cross the white-wash next time. Remember, well done, but now demand more of yourself and more from each other.”
With game two in Kyoto on the horizon, we’ll be updating this blog with updates from Rydal’s journey on their rugby tour to Japan.