08 May Under 12 Boys Conclude Season with La Rochelle Tour
The Navan RFC Under 12 Boys packed their bags and headed for the French coast last week, embarking on an unforgettable end-of-season trip to the rugby stronghold of La Rochelle.
Traveling in fantastic numbers, the squad enjoyed a weekend defined by world-class rugby, team bonding, and memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime as they prepare to transition into the Youth Rugby ranks next season.
Action on the Pitch
It wasn’t all sightseeing, as the Navan boys took to the field to face their French counterparts. In a display of “The Navan Way,” the squad impressed local onlookers with rock-solid defense and some incredibly skillful attacking play. It was a fantastic opportunity for the boys to test their skills against international opposition, proving that the future of rugby at Balreask Old is in very capable hands.
A Meeting with a Legend
The off-field highlights were equally spectacular. The group enjoyed some well-earned “craic” and fun on the golden sands of the La Rochelle beaches before heading to the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. There, they took in the high-octane atmosphere of a TOP 14 Round 21 clash between Stade Rochelais and the reigning European heavyweights Union Bordeaux Bègles (UBB).
The ultimate “pinch-yourself” moment for the squad came when they met Irish rugby legend and La Rochelle Head Coach, Ronan O’Gara. Meeting one of the game’s greatest icons provided an inspirational capstone to an already incredible weekend.
Gratitude to Our Supporters
A trip of this magnitude requires an immense amount of planning and financial support. Navan RFC would like to extend a massive thank you to our team and trip sponsors who went above and beyond to make this dream journey a reality for the boys:
- Navan Ford & Opel
- Solstice Renewable Solutions
- Total Security Solutions
- Scaff-Hire
- Eno Wine
- Kilsaran
- O’Neill-Brennan
The Next Chapter
As the dust settles on their French adventure, this marks the end of the U12 journey for this group. Next season, these players take a major step forward as they begin their Youth Rugby journey.
Enjoy the well-deserved summer break, lads. You have represented your club, your families, and your town with distinction in France. We can’t wait to see you back on the pitches at Balreask Old next season!