With kit inspection expertly carried out by our honourable judge and the coach loaded by our obedient virgins the tour party headed up the M4, over the River Severn and arrived in Cardiff, just in time for evening refreshments. After a quick microwaved dinner in Wetherspoons the group staggered up the road to get their Coyote Ugly loyalty cards stamped before stumbling upon a bar called Retros which resembled a Romford nightclub circa 2005, complete with toilet attendant, chequer-plate doors, smoke machine and copious amounts of hooch being drunk! A good night was had by all.

Saturday morning saw the touring party travel up into the Rhondda Valleys to take on the mighty Penygraig RFC. An old mining club with over 150 years of history, once playing against Australia in 1908 and hosting an Argentina tour match in the 1970s. Dagenham RUFC added to that history by arriving in full 80s Rock attire and hosting one of our unique court sessions much to the locals amusement. Fines issued, certain body parts washed, we hastily got changed and kicked off in the Welsh sunshine on one of the most scenic pitches around. The tourists started slowly, still under the influence and allowed the hosts to go ahead, before some great runs from the usual culprits (Maleek, Joseph, Bryce and Brightson among others) helped the tourists back in the game. The 2nd half was end to end stuff before the tourists got 2 tries in front with some great carrying from the likes BMD and Grint. So much so that there were whispers from the sideline we might actually witness a very rare Dagenham win on tour! Alas it was not meant to be as the hosts pulled back (slightly helped by a badly timed shout of Timber) to nick a 28-25 win.

After a quick shower, gifts were exchanged, the tour anthem (Country Roads) was sung, we were then invited to the members hut to watch the local cup final being played. A glorious afternoon was had by all, drinking cider in the sun and taking in the stunning views!

The tour party then headed back to Cardiff for another Spoons microwaved dinner before sampling some more of the local establishments before deciding none lived up to now infamous Retros so back we went for more Hooch and Pop Bangers! I’m led to believe some of the youngsters even managed to make it all the way through to its 6am closing time! (What a shift!)

Sunday morning allowed the tourists a slight lay-in before meeting up for their history and culture tour. The party took in the sights of the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, whilst quenching their thirst at many famous pubs and Cardiff’s famous Tiny Rebel brewery along the way. After a few buzzballs at Pop World it only felt fitting to have 1 last visit to Retros, this time hosting a foam party! I’m led to believe there was again, a lot dancing and romancing into the wee hours by some of the tour party!

Monday morning saw many a tourist, worst for wear, board the coach for a much quieter return journey down the M4!

Thanks to the tour committee for organising and to Penygraig for hosting!

A great tour, as always, team bonding, belly laughing and making life-long friendships and memories! Up The D’s!

More photos can be found by clicking HERE

Tourists 2026:
BMD, Greenie, Grint, R. Yellop, L. Howard, Tank, J. Daniels, Dorro, C. Rawlinson, J. Matthews, J. Warner, Kareem, Germanas, Darkwa the Younger, S. Clarke, P. Warner, C. Baynham, Newson, Enzo, Twin, C. Warner, A. Johnson, D. Johnson, J. Carpenter, M. Fung, B. Warner, Bryce, R. Davidson, J. Klingbiel, Maleek, Jody, J. Parr, Darkwa the Elder, Fernando, G. Hart, Brightson, D. Peat, M. Smith, Lucas, B. Francis, Dave N, Sappo