Richmond U15s travelled to Bordeaux this weekend for their end-of-season tour, facing two strong French sides, in what is often known as the "spiritual home" of French rugby.

It wasn’t the easiest start. The tour began with a test of the boys' patience as the squad were heavily delayed on the journey out. Travel disruption meant a last-minute rethink, but huge credit to Everydays Travel, who stepped in on the day to make sure the trip could still go ahead. It wasn’t ideal preparation, but the boys dealt with it well.

They were straight into it on arrival, facing the youth setup of one of Europe’s leading clubs Union Bordeaux Begles, in their opening game. Richmond were tested from the outset but stuck in, matching the physicality and showing plenty of intent despite the long journey.

While the U15’s ultimately suffered a defeat in that game, they played with a level of grit and intensity that earned the immediate respect of their French hosts, and a rematch is already being planned.

The response in the second game was spot on. A more settled and clinical performance saw Richmond come away with a win against CA Lormont.

The true highlight, however, was the world-class hospitality shown by the local clubs. A massive shout-out must go to both clubs and the local community at large for the warmth they extended to the squad. From the final whistle, the "third half" took centre stage. The boys were treated to the very best of the region, swapping club “traditions” and stories with their French counterparts over incredible post-match spreads.

They spent their downtime soaking up the vibrant energy of central Bordeaux. The team explored the historic UNESCO-listed streets, from the grand Place de la Bourse to the lively squares of the Saint-Pierre district. These moments in the city centre, combined with the hospitality of the local rugby community, made the trip a defining experience for the squad.

From the resilience shown after our travel delays to the shared laughter in sun-drenched squares, this tour strengthened the connection of the team. It was a world-class experience that the boys will cherish for years to come.

A big thank you also to the coaches, staff and volunteers who gave up their time to make the tour possible.