London Welsh Minis Embark on Exciting International Tours

with the Under 10s, Under 11s, and Under 12s all undertaking significant tours at the end of April. These trips provided invaluable experiences both on and off the pitch, challenging our young players and creating lasting memories for the London Welsh Minis.

Under 10s Tackle International Competition in Frankfurt

The London Welsh Under 10s took on an international challenge in Frankfurt, with a travelling entourage of 55, including 22 players split into two teams, accompanied by siblings and parents. Facing strong and disciplined teams from Germany, Holland, and Czechia throughout the weekend. Despite the tough competition, the kids maintained fantastic spirits and truly had a blast experiencing rugby on the international circuit. London Welsh 1 finished the tournament in a respectable 17th place, while London Welsh 2 achieved an impressive 11th place overall out of 20 teams.

The touring group all bonded at a local Bauhaus with schnitzel and burgers. Hawaiian shirts were mandatory for adults and kids!  A tour judge (fully kitted out) oversaw proceedings culminating with the coaches eating gherkins! 

A Warm Welsh Welcome for our U11s

The London Welsh Under 11s enjoyed a packed three-day tour to Wales, visiting Penarth and Monmouth. The adventure began with a thrilling Friday evening United Rugby Championship fixture at Cardiff's famous Arms Park, where the team, looking sharp in their new tour hoodies, witnessed Cardiff secure a memorable victory over Munster. The win was particularly significant as it guaranteed Cardiff's place in next season's European Investec Champions Cup. The excitement peaked after the final whistle with a spectacular pitch invasion, allowing the young players to collect photos and autographs, with Welsh international Josh Adams notably generous with his time for the kids.

Saturday saw the U11s welcomed by Penarth RFC, who were superb hosts. The London Welsh side had the brilliant experience of playing a curtain-raiser match against Penarth U11s on the main pitch, right before Penarth's senior team's final game of the season. Playing in front of hundreds of spectators in the glorious Cardiff sunshine was a truly special moment for the boys. The day concluded with the annual tour dinner at the hotel, a lively event filled with awards and impromptu performances, celebrating the team's spirit and individual contributions.

Sunday involved an early start and a scenic drive to the picturesque market town of Monmouth. Here, the team participated in Monmouth RFC's flagship festival, 'Monfest'. Playing against Canton, Oxford, and Pentyrch rugby clubs under the blazing mid-Wales sun, the U11s showcased their skills. The festival culminated in a medal presentation from Welsh international Taine Basham, a fantastic moment for the players. The successful tour concluded with a well-deserved treat of hot dogs and ice cream, leaving everyone with smiles and cherished memories of fantastic rugby and amazing Welsh hospitality

Under 12s Challenge Europe in Frankfurt

Meanwhile, the London Welsh Under 12s were also in Frankfurt facing international competition, participating in a large tournament held over two days. This prestigious event brought together 67 teams and over 1,000 players from nine different nations across four age groups. The team travelled together, proudly wearing their new tour shirts, ready for the challenge ahead.

The first day of the tournament was a resounding success for our U12s. They topped their group with brilliant performances, securing victories against teams from Belgium, Luxembourg, and two German sides (hosts Frankfurt and a team from Berlin). The boys' excellent conduct and great team spirit were evident throughout the day. Day two presented a sterner test as the tournament moved into the knock-out stages - tired legs, enthusiastic local support and hot weather also took their toll!

Despite these challenges, the team performed admirably and battled hard. They finished a highly respectable 8th out of the 20 teams in their age group, a testament to their resilience and skill against strong international opposition. Beyond the matches, the tour provided invaluable opportunities to connect with other clubs, including meeting a Romanian team on their inaugural international tour. The groundwork was also laid for potential reciprocal tours next season with teams from the Netherlands and Wales. The host club, Sport Club Frankfurt 1880 – one of Germany’s top teams – were particularly complimentary about our style of play and extended warm hospitality to both the boys and parents. The team also enjoyed sampling some local German cuisine!

The tours undertaken by the U10s, U11s, and U12s highlight the vibrant spirit in our Minis section, providing young players with incredible experiences both on and off the field and forging international connections. The club extends a huge thanks to all the parents and coaches whose significant efforts made these tours possible. Their commitment is truly appreciated and ensures the continuation of the proud tradition of representing London Welsh on rugby pitches around the world!