2025 High Impact Tour

Dates: Feb 6- 9, 2025
Location: London
Pint of Choice – Guinness
Weather – Wet...but that is London in February! 

Tour By the Numbers:

Privateers 40
Crowd 78,685
Collective Steps by group – 1,387,500
Pints – Many!
Points 51 (26-25)
Number of Rookies – 17 (a record!)
Memories – Too many to count.

Touring Party:

* Denotes For the Love of the Game Rookie (Had almost 50% Rookies!) 

Mark el Baroudi
Shelly el Baroudi
Dana Lougheed
Chris Mitchell
Izzy Mitchell
Kim Coupland*
Spencer Coupland*
Ron Panchuk*
Jamie Darroch*
Cam Webster
Craig Smith
James Cole
Sandra Cole
Sarah Vann*
Jon Vann*
Paul Beck
Phil Beck
Liz Beck
Dean Kittleson*
Judy Kittleson*
Jimmy Smith
Dave Lougheed
Mark Burgess
John Amis*
Gary Morse*
Gregg Delcourt
Richard Stone
Tom Caulfield*
Dave Spence
Martin Lundie*
Dave DeJong
John Davos* 
Julian Loveday*
Theo Loveday*
Frank Herrera*
Julia Omokuale
Tess Feury*

Thursday Feb 6th - Arrived from various ports and assembled a core of the group in/around Kew Gardens with Kew Garden's Hotel serving once again as our Club House.  Some of the Lead scouts had made their way to pave new ground a the Coach and Horses where the group further assembled before heading to the Prince's Head (AKA known as the Bar where Ted Lasso hangs out).  It had been a long day/night of travel for most and we made our way back to get ready for Tour de London on Friday.

Friday February 7th - with a Large group and a short window of opportunity smaller groups spread across the city on their own time to hit up the sights.  Buckingham Palace, Canadian War Memorial, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason (Craig Need's Tea for Kari!), Churchill War Rooms, Soho, Picadilly, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square.   A small group gathered for an impromptu meeting at the Horse and Guardsman to escape the Rain for an afternoon Pint.  The evening turned out to be a great night.  Our Man on the Ground Dave DeJong put together a great Friendraiser and it was a great blend of old friends and new.  Thank you Dave for organizing. Much appreciated and Very Generous of you.

Saturday February 8th - Game Day!  What we all had been waiting for.  The most anticipated match of the year with England playing host to France and it didn’t disappoint.  We gathered at the Kew until we had a Quorum and then made our way to the Sunn Inn where Elbo and Shelbo had commandeered a great table location for us.  Off to Twickenham with the masses leaving Jimmy, Spence and Paul behind at the sun to suffer the agony of another Wales loss to Italy.  En-route to the Grounds the Value of the Orange Toques once again proving their worth as we marched along with 80,000 of our friends. Match wasn’t the prettiest rugby at times but it had everything you needed for a great battle.  Final result - England 26 France 25 courtesy of a 79th Minute try by Elliot Daly who will remember that one for a long time.  Post match we made out way back via various routes to the Q Verde Restaurant for a fantastic meal to close out the 2025 High Impact Tour.

Parting Shots and Shout Outs

Rookie of the tour – Tom Caulfield for travelling to his first ever rugby game and spending less that 30 hours on the ground in London.  Congrats and Well done Tom!!

Special Guests – Thank you to current professional players and Rugby Internationals Julia Omokuale and Tess Feury for joining us and sharing your time.  All the best as your Leicester season comes to a close and all the best for the Women’s Rugby World Cup this Fall!!

Thank You – Thank you to everyone for joining us on the tour and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Hope to see you all on another tour!

For the Love of the Game

2023 Rugby World Cup For the Love of the Game Match Report

Date: Oct 17-29, 2023
Location: Paris, France
Event: 2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals and Final
 

Oct 18th - We gathered in Paris and established Base Camp at Hotel Les Bains.  It quickly became our home away from home and the staff/rooms and ambiance were second to none.  To ensure we had an alternative gathering place we secured Les Frog & Rosbif AKA “The Frog” as camp 2 and it provided a perfect place to gather when coming and or leaving the hotel.

Oct 19th - With most everyone getting their 10,000+ steps in around Paris I believe we had collectively seen all the Highlights Paris had to offer by the end of the day.  All that remained was for different versions on subsequent days as we explored the amazing sights on our own schedule.  After a day on the streets we set out on our first mission…Team Dinner at L’escarmouche. Everyone brought their A game and the music, songs and laughter carried us well through our expected finish time and set us up nicely for Game Day

Oct 20th - Game day...more sight seeing by day and World Cup rugby by night…a pretty good combo!  We assembled at the Frog in our Mountie Sarge and Hats and went on patrol.  Crowd Favourites as always there were lots of photo ops and we enjoyed a more polished performance by the All-Blacks then they had shown so far in the tournament.  Result All-Blacks 44 and Argentina 6

Oct 21th - Rugby World Cup Semi-Final 2.0.  As similar day with a little more pressure filled game putting 3 time Champions South Africa against their long term World Cup Rival England.  The English put in a tremendous effort but South Africa Pollard made the most of his “One chance for glory” slotting a clutch 50+M penalty to seal a 16-15 victory and send the Springboks into their 4th Final to take on the 1300+ Capped All Blacks.  

Oct 22nd - Time to explore! Everyone went to various posts and we covered continental Europe pretty well.  Spain, France, Italy to name a few spots.  Food and Wine seemed to be a mid-week theme.  

Oct 26th - We got the band back together and headed for our Team Dinner 2.0 and Les Noces de Jeannette.  Joined by Scotland International Craig Joiner and Canadian Legend and World Rugby Hall of Fame member Al Charron we enjoyed a great meal and even greater stories from Al and Craig.  Some brave souls explored the underground world of the Les Bains nightclub while most got ready for the weekend to come.

Oct 27th - More sightseeing and retail therapy by day we went to our preferred location outside of the Hotel AKA “The Frog” to enjoy the Bronze Medal Game Between England and Argentina.  With some early reconnaissance from the week before we owned half the pub and people made the most of the open bar and food available.  

Oct 28th - “The Gathering”…for those familiar with he movie Highlander the “Gathering Brings together the final 2 highlanders and in the end “There can be only one!”.  The Final had everything you could want for a story line.  2 teams with 3 World Cups each in a 7th game decider…winner take all.  80,000 fans packed the Stade de France and as the game progressed it clearly was South Africa v the World.  With their chances to win the All-blacks fell short by one point and the Spring Bocks became the World Champions yet again!

Checking my stat book here is the 2023 Rugby World Cup Tour By the Numbers.

Number of Privateers (70 with 37 new guests)
Number of Games 3 plus Bronze on TV
Number of Croissants - Too Many to count
House Beer - Ruck Beer - brewed at the Frog
Most Popular Game Strip – Mountie…see article at bottom…we made Lesson #29 in the Daily Telegraph! 

Most Functional Piece of Swag – Puffers (Kept us warm and relatively dry!)
Most Traded/given away Swag – Berets (Well done on the trades and gifts…you made a lot of people happy!)

Rookie of the Tour - This is a tough one.  So many great new privateers and quality contributions and thank you to everyone!  Noble candidates include those of you who came having never seen a major international (Amazing!).  Those of you who joined your partners on something that they told you was a great way to spend your birthday or anniversary (Amazing...and Thank You!!).  I have to say though that Christian Wales whose travelling Partner was unable to attend with one week to go and who came along anyway while not initially knowing anyone in the group get’s my vote. Often first to the Breakfast table and still with the group at the end of the night.  In the words attributed to the actions of William Web Ellis “He just took the ball and ran with it”! 

Whats Ap – The What’s Ap Group will remain live as a cache of the tour memories and photos…and some friendly banter now and then!

And so we have another For the Love of the Game Tour in the Books!  It is always easy to say “That was the best Ever” but from my lens, for location, people, games and overall good clean fun it was the best yet and set a high bar for future tours…Fear not though as we always seem to improve!  Australia 2027 Here we come…Stay Tuned!

All the Best for the remainder of the year and looking forward to catching up with all of you soon!

Afrikaans lessons and bunker problems: 41 things we learnt from Rugby World Cup

From Antoine Dupont's cheekbone to Eddie Jones’ nadir, the tournament in France served up a feast

ByCharlie Morgan, SENIOR RUGBY WRITER30 October 2023 • 5:26pm

The 2023 Rugby World Cup began amid a hail of criticism for its skewed draw but, unfair as it might have appeared, that produced the greatest weekend of rugby in the tournament’s history and then only the second final between the sport’s two superpowers.

Over seven weeks there were incredible matches, agonising late defeats, immense bravery, amazing skill, fortitude, luck, injuries and controversies.

Portugal and England gave stark reminders of how two totally contrasting ways to play the game can still bring results, while, as in every previous tournament, tier-two nations departed with a plea for more meaningful competition to avoid being mere cannon-fodder.

Here, we look back at the highs and lows from what was an enthralling tournament...

1. Viking appropriation must be stopped

The origins of the Viking clap are disputed. Fans of Motherwell FC have a strong claim to its invention and Iceland obviously popularised it at Euro 2016. Seven years later, rugby union had a go at its global showpiece. Led by scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, the Ireland squad staged a few renditions upon arrival at their base in Tours. Later, when the pool games got underway, supporters were encouraged to build a buzz before kick-off by urging a chant of “Rug-by! Rug-by!” with clapping in between those shouts. Despite pockets of enthusiasm, it may not catch on.

2. Zombie is a stirring song...

Hordes of Ireland supporters crossed the Channel and belted out Zombie by the Cranberries, creating a phenomenal atmosphere. Munster, who initially adopted the 1994 tune a couple of years ago, will have to allow the national side to keep borrowing it. Because it really does stir the soul.

3. ...with interchangeable lyrics

We will address Ireland’s exceptional inside centre in more depth later, but “Zombie” was traded for “Bundee” rather easily. “Ardie” and “Rassie” were also swapped in, with locals mocking Ireland in the hours between the two Paris quarter-finals by singing: “Les Irlandais, Irlandais, sorry, sorry, sorry-eh-eh.” Although admirably witty, the schadenfreude evaporated the following evening. Lastly, our very deputy rugby union correspondent has a surname perfectly suited to poor impressions of Dolores O’Riordan, the late lead singer of the Cranberries. How will Dan get anything done back home without being spurred by “Schoey, Schoey, Schoey-eh-eh-eh”?

4. The draw deserved the criticism it copped

Everyone highlighted this way before the tournament began and it did not become more palatable when the action started. Though done for noble enough reasons, to mitigate the effect of Covid on schedules, the early draw did not reward progress of teams over the last cycle. Scotland, grouped with South Africa and Ireland, had most cause to be aggrieved.

5. Cycle obsessions are silly

World Cups create their own wacky ecosystems where anything seems possible for two months and nobody really cares how you have built over a four-year period since the last one. Squad depth, tactical clarity and cohesion can be developed over time, clearly. However, getting the last couple of months right, in order to peak with perfect timing, is paramount.

6. You will get wet in France

Games in early September, especially on the south coast, took place in sweaty temperatures of well over 30 degrees with humidity stifling. For the knockout rounds, a gloomy Paris was far cooler and rain set in. On the face of it, that range requires adaptability. Then again, both of those conditions cause handling to become difficult in the face of defensive pressure.

7. Crush frightened fans in Marseille

Early in the tournament, prominently at England’s opener against Argentina in Marseille and Ireland’s win over Romania in Bordeaux on the same weekend, queues caused thousands of supporters to miss kick-off. The crush at Stade Vélodrome could have been very nasty. Fortunately, the organising committee acted quickly and things ran more smoothly and sensibly over the remainder of the World Cup.

8. Côte D’Azur lifestyle is enviable

Before covering England’s quarter-final against Fiji, I ate cheese for breakfast and had a swim in the sea. Doing both of those things on October 15 next year might prove trickier.

9. Antoine Dupont was mesmerising...

Slightly subdued, by his own astronomic standards, in the opening-night win over New Zealand, Antoine Dupont, the poster boy of the tournament, produced a first half from the heavens against Namibia, book-ended by try-scoring kick-passes off either foot. He was just as brilliant in the quarter-final against South Africa. Sadly, each occasion ended badly.

10. ...and taught us about cheekbones

Google searches of “maxilla-zygomatic fracture” will have soared after Johan Deysel, the Namibia skipper, clattered Dupont and sent a nation – and a sport – into a state of panic. Thankfully, the victim returned in time for the knockout rounds.

11. The bunker system needs refining

The inaugural World Cup for bunker officials, or foul play review officers, ensured that referees did not show any red cards on the field, instead sticking with yellows and delegating responsibility for match-defining calls to anonymous colleagues. It was all a bit odd, and communication to those at the stadium must be totally clear if this is to continue.

12. 9pm kick-offs test stamina

They are a staple in France, with the showpiece Top 14 game of the weekend often taking that slot on Sundays, but 9pm kick-offs are draining for everyone. Scrambling around the mixed zone [where journalists meet players for post-match interviews] afterwards would easily keep you at the stadium beyond 1am.

13. Celeb spots are eclectic

Javier Bardem’s appearance for the semi-final between Argentina and the All Blacks came with the actor’s revelation that he has represented Spain in this sport. He also turned up to the final a week later. Dan Carter and Sophie Turner delivered the match ball, while Novak Djokovic and Rita Ora were spotted in the stands and Roger Federer celebrated with the victorious Springboks. Hours earlier, a personal highlight had been spying Shaun Wallace, a star of The Chase quiz show.

14. Eddie hit his nadir

Australia and Eddie Jones officially parted company on the day after the decider, the Wallabies having been at home for weeks due to the first pool-stage exit in their history. The final ignominy had been waiting to see if Fiji could record a single bonus point against Portugal. They could, albeit after a struggle, and Australia were gone. Their head coach had gambled on a green squad, shorn of Michael Hooper and Quade Cooper, and it back-fired badly. The 40-6 loss to Wales in Lyon was truly horrible.

15. Rest weeks stall momentum

Another unintended consequence of installing rest weeks for each team – a schedule change made in good faith, with player welfare at its heart – was that the tournament felt fitful. With more midweek matches, the tournament would be inescapable for new consumers during its moment in the spotlight.

16. Os Lobos became the darlings

Portugal’s intrepid performances under Patrice Lagisquet stirred the soul. Nicolas Martins’ try against Wales, from a no-look line-out transfer, encapsulated their spirit. Martins also tackled relentlessly. Mike Tadjer’s clearance kick during the narrow victory over Fiji was another uplifting moment. Samuel Marques, their wily scrum-half, ran his socks off and kicked goals. Raffaele Storti, just 22, is a fabulous talent on the wing. Dwelling on individuals feels rather beside the point, however. Os Lobos were a special team with a definitive style. They kicked cleverly, spread the ball with vigour, mauled above their weight and defended desperately. The reception for them at Lisbon airport was a joyous image.

17. There were mixed returns for ‘tier-two’ crew

Of the teams outside the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship, Portugal, Fiji and Uruguay should be pleased with their campaigns. Although Tonga and Romania played out an entertaining encounter, Samoa pushed England close and Georgia improved, with Davit Niniashvili predictably excellent, the rest will have been largely disappointed. Chile and Samoa were most vocal in imploring the powers that be to give them more fixtures. That must be the upshot of World Rugby’s global league plans.

18. Darcy dazzled

Ultimately, Scotland fell significantly short in their two crucial pool games. South Africa stifled them in Marseille and then Ireland smashed them at Stade de France. Before the World Cup, though, Gregor Townsend vowed that they would continue to play with an intrepid, expansive approach. Darcy Graham, their skating, effervescent wing, bagged four tries in an 84-0 dismantling of Romania. Watching him in the Six Nations will be a treat.

19. Manuel Ardao arrived...

Being likened to David Pocock, as Miguel Ardao was by Italy assistant Marius Goosen, is a decent fillip for a back-rower. Ardao has signed for Miami Sharks. What price a move to Europe in the future?

20. ...but veterans showed value, too

Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole, Deon Fourie, Duane Vermeulen, Mike Tadjer, Francisco Fernandes, Nicolás Sánchez, Agustín Creevy, Sam Whitelock, Levani Botia and Johnny Sexton all influenced their team in a positive manner. People covet experience at World Cups for good reason.

21. Italy underwhelmed

For all the excitement over Ange Capuozzo and co, with the Six Nations having hinted at further progress, the Kieran Crowley era ended in a whimper. Italy gave themselves a chance of the quarter-finals by overturning Namibia and Uruguay before a terrible outing against New Zealand and another heavy loss to France. 

22. Knockouts delivered tension despite draw

Only one of the eight knockout matches, New Zealand’s thrashing of Argentina, was a dud. Ideally, the two spectacular quarter-finals in Paris would have been semis. That said, the draw did ensure four tight, tense games at the last eight stage, albeit of differing quality. 

23. Go to Au Métro

The Telegraph Rugby Podcast went on the road and recorded a special episode at the front of a charming bar in Pasteur that captures France’s affinity with the sport. Charles Richardson, our Francophile rugby reporter, and owner Jean-Pierre go way back.

24. Mood of host nation was hoovered

Faf de Klerk’s strip on Reda Wardi, which sealed the exit of Les Bleus, inevitably sucked enthusiasm out of the World Cup. France fans filled their free time by booing Ben O’Keeffe. Ireland’s defeat also caused wonder for what might have been, given the volume and noise brought by their supporters. Hopefully Australia get their act together for 2027...

25. Ireland bumped, but could not break, their glass ceiling

Ten tournaments, eight quarter-final exits and no knockout wins. That record is more galling for Ireland given their excellence since 2021. This crop, steered by the retiring Sexton, was good enough to win the whole thing. But it does not happen that way.

26. Bundee Aki was immense

Integral to Ireland was Bundee Aki, who found the best form of his career. His pace, which helped him score five tries, was particularly eye-catching. The 33-year-old returned home and promptly had a contract extension announced.

27. “That’s the game, brother”

Michael Cheika tends to be a star of World Cups because of his forthright answers and charisma. Among his last messages from the World Cup was an impassioned plea to organise more fixtures for less established nations. In a previous top-table session, following the semi-final, the Argentina head coach broke off from a response that had started in Spanish to sign off with: “That’s the game, brother”. Interpreters must keep on their toes with Cheika around.

28. Refereeing gripes grate

That said, Cheika and Dupont were among those to deliver barbs towards referees in post-match interviews. Even accounting for how high emotions run, this is an unedifying trend that is becoming more prominent.

29. Mounties took Paris

Travelling fans make the World Cup what it is and those from Argentina, Portugal and Chile were the loudest I encountered. A special shout-out to the touring party led by Dave Lougheed, the former Leicester Tigers wing who played for Canada at four World Cups between 1991 and 2003. Dressed as Mounties, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, they raised awareness of Lougheed’s charity, For the Love of the Game, by turning heads at the Stade de France.

30. England enjoyed a nostalgia trip

An unfancied team travelling to France and going deep into the knockout rounds, leaning on experience, determination and drop-goals before almost upsetting the Springboks? For 2007, read 2023. Now for Steve Borthwick to build upon an encouraging campaign.

31. Afrikaans tutorials can be free

Knowledge is power and learning that “wit kant” means “white side” in Afrikaans was the only benefit of the bitter fallout from Tom Curry’s serious accusation that Bongi Mbonambi, the South Africa hooker, had branded him as a “white c---“.

32. Wayne Barnes was rewarded

There can be very few honest complaints about the officiating of the World Cup final. Wayne Barnes was deservedly appointed and met the occasion calmly. Ardie Savea was harshly penalised at an early breakdown, but the man in the middle explained matters with the conviction and clarity that have characterised his rise to the top of refereeing.

33. We said fond farewells

The list of those stepping away from the Test arena is too long to detail, so a word on Aaron Smith, who gave a touching interview on the verge of his final week as an All Black. The storied scrum-half spoke of wearing his heart on his sleeve, which reinforced the physical and emotional commitment that players and coaches make for our entertainment.

34. Owen Farrell grabbed the golden boot

Marcos Kremer, Argentina’s bearded back-row enforcer, topped the tournament tackle count with 92. Bundee Aki and Ardie Savea finished level on 81 carries. Salesi Piutau and Antoine Dupont recorded 10 offloads each, more than anyone else. And, courtesy of his last penalty against Argentina to seal bronze for England, Owen Farrell was the leading points-scorer, finishing one ahead of Thomas Ramos. That was while missing the first two matches through suspension. Not a bad effort.

35. Will Jordan was robbed

As it turned out, Richie Mo’unga’s dummy in the final moments of the semi-final, as Will Jordan waited on the touchline for the score that would have usurped Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea to set a new record for tries at a World Cup, was pretty costly. South Africa starved Jordan of space the following weekend and he will have to strive for nine in 2027.

36. Try of the tournament was a crowded field...

Jordan’s chip and chase against Argentina was probably his best try, though might not even have been the best featuring a kick in the tournament. Mani Libbok set up Kurt-Lee Arendse with a beautiful, no-look strike against Scotland and Amato Fakatava’s effort for Japan against Argentina inspired numerous smiles. Rampaging locks have that effect.

37. ...with a head-banger

Courtney Lawes’s finish against Japan, via a header from Joe Marler in midfield, was one that only a mother could love. And yet, it proved vital for England in a scrappy affair. To borrow cricketing parlance, they all look the same in the scorebook.

38. Kick-pressure still pays

The final was punctuated by no fewer than 72 kicks. Though conditions certainly influenced matters, kicking will remain pivotal as a means of controlling territory, finding space and exerting pressure. Portugal’s adulation proved that people forgive and forget it so long as there is ambition and accuracy in other areas.

39. Cane sunk from hero to zero

Superb in the quarter-final against Ireland, avenging the stinging sledge of Peter O’Mahony, who had compared him unfavourably to Richie McCaw the previous summer as Ireland overturned New Zealand, Sam Cane then suffered a red card in the final for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel. “Unfortunately, it’s something I’m going to have to live with forever,” said the All Blacks captain. Brutal.

40. Ardie was awesome, Pieter-Steph peerless

Two epic individual displays punctuated the last dance, which was an absorbing contest. Pieter-Steph du Toit produced a clinic in destructive tackling, while Ardie Savea spearheaded the All Blacks’ determined attempt to upset the odds following their captain’s dismissal. That latter was justifiably crowned world player of the year.

41. Great leadership lies in the subtle moments

Siya Kolisi is a fine orator and winning back-to-back World Cups has sent him into the pantheon of great captains, but a U-turn crystallised what makes him a true leader. At the last whistle of the final, having been replaced, he began sprinting onto the field before turning and running back towards the touchline. Cheslin Kolbe, who had been sin-binned for the denouement, had been unable to watch. Kolisi had the presence of mind to embrace and reassure his distraught team-mate before the celebrations could really start.

2023 Dublin Tour Report

Dates: March 14-19, 2023
Location: Dublin Ireland
Number of Tourists 30

 Quick summary…you will all have your own pieces to insert for your own records but at high level here is the run down.

Coming from all ports we defended on Dublin and gathered on Tuesday Afternoon.  Some lead reconnaissance work from some early arrivals led us to THE Temple Bar in Temple Bar.  Guinness (go figure?) was the beverage of choice and would remain so for most of the Week…only giving way on the night of the Team Dinner to Dublin Buck! Temple Food at Temple Bar proved to be a great pit stop en-route home most nights.

Wednesday morning 17 set out to brave the Wind and Weather at The European.  It didn’t disappoint and we shared our sleeves of For the Love of the Game Balls with the rough…amazing some made a return trip to their owners thanks to the names.  Paul wowed the locals with his best impression of Apres ski rather than Apres golf!  We charged the travellers and boarded the bus for a return trip and were thankful for our travel cups as well as accommodating driver Derek who was Safe, Reliable and Courteous!  Dinner was at the Church.  

Thursday brought sunshine and a beautiful day at The Royal Dublin.  We were all grateful for the free lifts out of the bunkers and will lobby the RCGA for allowing such at all courses.  The second wave arrived on Thursday adding the final 6 to the group and injecting some fresh energy.  We made our way to the Wollen Mills around the corner from the Hotel.  

Friday was St. Paddy’s day….can you say BUSY!  The parade proved itself to be log jammed and unpassable/watchable due to numbers and we made our way to the RDS Arena to watch the Leinster Sr. Schools Final between Blackrock and Gonzaga…what a game!  10,000 fans for a high school game and it didn’t disappoint…down to the wire with Gonzaga pulling the upset.

We made our way back and largely gathered at the hotel before heading out to find the smallest Bar in the World (Dawson’s Lounge) and finished off the night with some friendly faces from the World of Rugby (Georgian Murphy, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallagio). 

Saturday was SHOWTIME.  Ireland’s Historic day of Rugby was on the cards with eh Grand Slam at home and Johnny Sexton’s opportunity to become the all-time scoring leader in 6 nations…Success on both fronts and the hospitality at the Wanderers Clubhouse was top shelf.  We walked back from the Stadium and had a cleansing ale at the hotel.

Departure was early for many and late for some of the lucky ones.

Tour By the Numbers.

Tourists 30
Rugby Games 2
Pints of Guinness…+1
Pubs Many
Rounds of Golf 2 for most…3 for the keeners (Smitty x 2 & Timmy)
Golf Balls Lost 153
Weather…3 seasons a week!

Privateers

** Denotes Rookie

Dave Lougheed
Richard Stone
Gregg Delcourt
Phil Beck
Paul Beck
Gregg Jardine
Ryan Smith
Cam Peckham
Craig Smith
MikeWoofter
Karen Woofter
Larry Jones
Mike Wayman
Brad Wayman
Cam Webster**
Tim Matthews**
Rick Powers**
Dana Lougheed
James Stone**
John Morgan
Matt Woofter**
Tatum Lougheed
Taylor Lougheed
John Mendham**
Tom Adair
Rob Lloyd**
Dave Spence
Chris Mitchell
Tim Kearns**
Ross Kearns**

Tour Awards

Favorite Evening Snack Shop – Temple Food

Favourite Bar – THE Temple Bar

Longest Drive – Tim Matthews (whether

Longest Put – Rick Powers (18th at The European from 60 feet)

Most Unsportsmanlike Golfer(s) (Stone & Peckham at Royal Dublin for consistently hitting through group ahead)

Most Sportsmanlike Golfer – Lady Bing Trophy goes to Smitty 2 for finding and retrieving balls left for dead.

Honorary MVP:  Matt Poole for securing 30 great tickets, hotel, 2 dinners, Dublin Buck and pre-post match hospitality

Favourite Drink – Dublin Buck pronounced Dooblin Boook (Guinness is a Staple so was not eligible)

Most Improved: Smitty 1 for getting home on Time and not having to spend 2 weeks in Dublin…Although I know it crossed his mind!

Rookie of the Tour: Hot competition this time around as we had a record number of rookies on this year’s tour.  Their enthusiasm and see less integration into the natural flow of the tour was impressive and bodes well for future tours.  When the dust settled and the selection panel was one clear winner.  Following his motto “if you’re not early…you’re late” Cam Webster led the charge start to finish.  Arrived a few days early.  Booked tours for fellow tourists.  Attended all (and extra) outings.  And never turned down a pint of Guinness or a Kebab.  Also not bad on the links and took home some skins.  All in all a very impressive first outing.  Honourable mentions - John Mendham.  Sr. Statesman on tour.  Led by example and inspired out belief that we have lot’s of tours left in us.  

And with that we look forward to seeing y’all on a trip sometime soon! 

For the Love of the Game.

2019 Rugby World cup Match Report

Dates: Oct 24-Nov 3, 2019
Location: Tokyo
Unofficial Theme: Planes Trains and Automobiles

Game Results

New Zealand 7 v England 19
South Africa 19 v Wales 16
South Africa 32 v England 12

Privateers (*indicates new privateer)

Dave Lougheed
Dana Lougheed
James Morton
Janice Morton
Sean Evans*
Sarah Evans*
Richard Stone
Tasha Stone
Mark elBaroudi
Shelley Wolosky
Bertus Eksteen
Janice O’Hearn*
Jim Stone (Vet)*
Vivian Stone*
Jim Stone (Cardiologist)
Allison Long*
Charron Ungar*
Michael Woofter
Karen Woofter
Myles Petley*
Larry Jones
Bernie McCaffery*
John Morgan*
Shaun Going*
Paul Beck
Phil Beck
Tom Goetz
Mike MacMahon*
Doug Laird*
Brent Johannesen*
Derek Martin*
Patricia Martin*
Tom Adair*
Ben Andrews*
Toby Mallinder
Andy Tallentire*
Phil Dreaver*
Neil Cameron*
Shannon Cameron*

Special Guest - Badder Rat

Day 1 – We assembled from 4 continents and arrived via every mode of Transportation

Day 2 – While everyone was on their own schedule there was an impromptu trip to Kazakawa by many and we walked the streets while 150mm of rain fell.  Temples and the Big Buddha were the highlight until we stumbled upon a little spot for lunch.  Shelbo discovered Saki and we ended up staying there most of the afternoon and having a great sing-song. We gathered back at the Shin-Yokohama and headed for our team dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel. 

Day 3 – Game Day – Evening Games allowed everyone to explore Tokyo during the day and then meet up ahead of the games.  With our Mountie Gear on we gathered at a nice spot on the canal and set up what would become our base camp for game days.  You could feel something special was in the air and after sharing some pre-game libations and signing O Canada we departed

Day 4 – Game Day

Day 5 – Kyoto & Tokyo.  Most of the group headed to Kyoto to enjoy the many world heritage sights.  Small roads with endless restaurants were the norm and countless temples could be easily accessed. 

Day 6 – Big Buddha, Big Budda, Big Buddha…

Day 7 – More Temples…

Day 8 – Re-Group.  Happy Halloween!  We gathered back in Tokyo and settled into the Imperial Hotel.  Dinner was planned for the Ginza Rangetsu and we had happy hour at the HUB.  The food didn’t stop coming and the saki and beer

Day 9 – Bronze Final day -

Day 10 – Finals Day!  Everything was set for an epic game of rugby.  Weather was perfect, stadium was full and the world was watching.  We gathered at our usual spot beside the canal and enjoyed some pre-match tailgating ahead of the match.  South Africa was first on the board and never looked back.  In what was a great performance by the Springboks the England fans were left wondering what could have been. 

Day 11 – A late flight out of Narita allowed us to enjoy the day and check off any items we didn’t get too see.

Well that was about as much fun and festivities we could fit into a tour.  Thank you to everyone for being a part of it and helping to make it truly memorable.  Some exceptional performances that I do think deserve mentioning include: Doc James exceptional performance at our adopted booze can following the second semi-final.  Phil Beck’s endless wardrobe changes…certainly demonstrating the