Tour started in the usual fashion. The virgins looking very fetching in their pink ladies outfits, altough as each hour passed Frank Aiano appeared to lose an extra item of clothing! Yard of ale completed, beer kitty topped up and team photo captured we boarded the coach and got on our way to Dover!

After a finally finding a misplaced passport we were on the ferry and after a complementary fish and chips we engaged in yet more rehydration whilst the virgins provided some cabaret to entertain the tourists. Before long we were finally on French soil and soon got to the cosmopolitan city of Lille where we checked into the hotel (The Judge enjoying his private penthouse balcony) before meeting for evening refreshments. A few establishments were frequented before settling at the Temple’s Bar (Irish Pub loyalty cards stamped). After a few more strong Flemish beers it was time for bed so we left the youngsters out dancing and romancing whilst me, Enzo and Greenie went for that traditional French delicacy….Burger and Chips!

Saturday morning arrived, and after an authentic French McDonalds we braved the rain and headed for our Le Crunch match against Valenciennois Rugby Club. The virgins once again providing light entertainment en-route!
Before kick off however we had the important task of court to see to. Weights and Measures Mr Sharples had kindly manufactured some home-made shots for us to enjoy via the lottery of “The Wheel!”
Many misbehaviours were punished including Joseph having to fly a kite for the Judges pleasure!
As the rain eased the tourists took to the field but not before Tour Captain Greg Hart’s all important shirt presentation to the starting 15.
The game started off fairly evenly with both teams having some good phases of play. After around the 20 minute mark however the inevitable happened and despite the numerous roll on roll off subs the hosts were struggling. Even a nutritional half-time snack of tinned snails didn't help the D's and so the hosts pulled away in the second half for a final score of Frogs 39 Rosbifs 12!
After a quick shower and protein spider for one virgin we headed back to the bar for some baguettes, fromage et jambon!

Gifts were exchanged and after some songs for Anglo-French relations we headed outside for the all important drinking games, Dagenham winning the boat race but Valenciennois winning the wibbly wobbly!
After a quick game of spots (Mr Fung struggling and resembling a Dalmatian) we said our Au Reviors and headed back to Lille for yet more evening refreshments. After enjoying a few more 8% Flemish beers on the main square we found ourselves at Shooters Bar where we were able to throw some shapes before retiring to bed.
Sunday morning saw a nice continental breakfast before the virgins were punished one last time at court. We then commenced our culture and city tour but found many bars to be shut on a Sunday! (Sack the tour organiser)

We did however manage to see most of the sights and frequent some local taverns and impressed the locals with our singing talent. Being on tour we wanted to experience the genuine French culture so we finished the night at both the Queen Victoria English pub and the O Scotland Bar. A great night was had with more singing, dancing, eating locally-sourced sausages and showing a local women’s rugby team how to scrummage!
Monday was an early start to catch the ferry back to Blighty. Many tourists taking the opportunity to catch up on some beauty sleep!

Thanks to Rugby Club Valenciennois for providing a team to us to play (despite having a quarter final the next day!) and playing the game in great spirits and also to Anzin Rugby Club for hosting the match and providing the food and drink!

More photos can be found by clicking HERE

Tourists 2025
Enzo, Grint, D. Jonson, A. Johnson, Parr, Klingbeil, Sharples, Newson, Kareem, Fung, Howard, Clarke, P. Warner, J. Warner, C. Warner, Drake, Tank, Taz, Greenie, Hart, Ryan, Rawlinson, Maleek, Darkwa the Younger, Darkwa the Older, Aiano, Baynham, W. Evans, Smith, Matthews, Carpenter, Germanas