Participating in an international tournament only eight months from their first competitive game is rapid progress for 18 under 7s tourists. Coaches have encouraged an inclusive, everyone plays, everyone contributes, play-in-the-right-spirit ethos and it was great to watch independent match referees validate this in games with snappy passing, energetic running and committed tagging.

This was some of the strongest opposition we’ve had this season, Welsh sides especially, though all games played by our four teams were fascinatingly close.

Within a recently-formed group, friendships aren’t fully-formed and it was heartening to see these develop over off-pitch games of hit the bin, rolling down hills getting muddy and fancy dress roleplay – rugby values as relevant to adult tours.

Special thanks to Team Manager Anita and Tour Rep Becky who played major roles organising the overall tour and lime green hoodies worn with pride and our parents for maintaining such a spirited group.