Rugby students say au revoir to France

16 students from Barking & Dagenham College’s Rugby Academy went to France for two weeks recently. The highlight was getting to meet and train with the Perpignan RFC – USAP squad.

They also visited the USAP shop (Boutique USAP) and went to the USAP v Castres match at the Aimé Giral Stadium.

Their programme revolved around their training and matches against local clubs, meeting the USAP senior team, alongside cultural visits of Perpignan and the Byrrh Winery in Thuir.

They were also able to make the most of a bit of French culture! With lots of guided visits of the Roussillon region and fitness sessions at Grande Stade, there were many opportunities for team-building!

16 year old Owen Flower from Romford was one of the lucky young men to go France: “My trip to Perpignan was really interesting despite the accommodation not being what you have at home.

“I found that I got along with the boys and that we all made ways to have fun without the use of technology. I learnt a lot about the culture in Perpignan and St Cyprien.

“The highlight of tour for me was how well I got in with the older boys and the fun that we had.”

The trip was funded by Erasmus+, with the help of REY Europe and Alfmed who hosted the students and their teachers and gave them French lessons.