BARNARD Castle Rugby Club Under 14’s have just returned from a tour to County Kildare in Ireland.

The Team have had a very successful season and it has been rounded off in style with 51 players and parents on the action packed tour.

The Barnard Castle Team had a great season only losing one game. Last year they toured to Les Landes in South West France, which was a great experience for the talented group of players.

This year’s tour was hosted by Naas Rugby Club, which included a fantastic training session with The Philippe Saint-Andre Academy. The Team also visited the famous Irish National Stud, which is home to some of the most magnificent horses and gardens in the world, which was an incredible experience for the boys.

On Saturday 22nd April they played a large and robust team from Newbridge and they had fairly equal possession throughout the game but speed, power and skills came into play, particularly in the second half and Barnard Castle U14’s won 59 – 5.

The Tour was jam packed and the team even managed to fit in a crash course in Gaelic Football at Naas GAA. They then played a mixed game with Naas players, which was great fun and they thoroughly enjoyed trying a sport that they have never had the chance to before.

Barnard Castle U14’s Rugby Coach, David Osborne, said: “The tour was a great way to end a successful season and it is a real pleasure to coach a superb bunch of lads who will go a long way. New players are always more than welcome to come along to the club.”