More than 40 students from TyneMet College’s Rugby Excellence Programme, delivered in partnership with Newcastle Rugby Foundation, rounded off an unforgettable season with an action-packed international tour to Spain.
Travelling to Barcelona on Thursday 25 June, our male and female rugby academy students embarked on an exciting four-day tour that combined high-performance training, international competition and valuable team-building experiences. Throughout the trip, students fully immersed themselves in the challenge of preparing to face Spanish side Sitges Rugby Club in an international fixture.
The TyneMet squad made the most of their time overseas with a range of activities designed to prepare them for match day, including beach training sessions, water polo and a team run ahead of Saturday’s eagerly anticipated fixtures.
The hard work paid off on game day, with our boys’ rugby academy delivering an outstanding performance to secure an incredible 55-5 victory over Sitges Rugby Club. The result capped off a fantastic display of teamwork, determination and skill, reflecting the dedication the players have shown throughout the season.
Our girls also took to the field in a combined fixture alongside Sitges Rugby Club, embracing the opportunity to play international rugby and showcase their talent. Special congratulations go to Alysha, Abi and Olivia, who all crossed the try line and made valuable contributions to an excellent team performance.
Supporting the squad throughout the tour were students from our Sports Massage course, who played a vital role in the team’s preparation and recovery. Working alongside the coaching staff, the students provided pre-match treatments, post-game recovery sessions and ongoing support, giving them invaluable hands-on experience in a real sporting environment while helping the players perform at their best.
Following an incredible day of rugby, the students enjoyed a well-earned recovery day on Sunday at a local spa and waterpark, which proved to be one of the highlights of the tour. The trip concluded with a special awards evening, celebrating individual achievements, team successes and the memories made throughout the season.
Deputy Head of TyneMet Sport Academies, Ben Pollock said:
This tour was the perfect way to finish an outstanding season for our Rugby Academy. It gave our students the opportunity to experience international competition, challenge themselves in a new environment and strengthen the bonds they've built throughout the year. I couldn't be prouder of the way both our men's and women's players represented the college, both on and off the field. It was also fantastic to see our Sports Massage students working alongside the teams, gaining valuable industry experience while making a real contribution to player performance and recovery. Experiences like this are what make our academies so special, helping students develop as athletes, but as confident young people ready for their future careers
The Barcelona tour provided an unforgettable end to the season, creating lifelong memories while showcasing the talent, professionalism and commitment of our Rugby Excellence Programme students. Everyone involved represented the college with pride, and the experience will undoubtedly provide lasting inspiration as preparations begin for another exciting season ahead.
For more information about TyneMet College’s Rugby Excellence Programme, click here.