Crosfields School Rugby Tour - February 2011 by Crosfields School

“Never a step backwards”

February 2011 Crosfields Rugby Tour

Crosfields School Rugby Tour

Contents Agreed Code of Conduct ...............................................................................................................................2 Headmaster - Jonathan Wansey .....................................................................................................................3 Gareth Edwards – Director of Sports.............................................................................................................3 From the Coach…..........................................................................................................................................4 From the Captains… ......................................................................................................................................5 Tour Party ......................................................................................................................................................6 Itinerary..........................................................................................................................................................8 Contact Numbers .........................................................................................................................................11 Details ..........................................................................................................................................................12 Packing List .................................................................................................................................................13 Maps and Fixture Addresses ........................................................................................................................14

“The whole point of rugby is that it is, first and foremost, a state of mind, a spirit.” Jean-Pierre Rives

Crosfields School Rugby Tour Code of Conduct

Agreed Code of Conduct 

It is very important to remember that we are ambassadors for our school and the game of rugby.

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When dressed in our school uniform we need to be especially vigilant about being polite and well behaved.

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In the hotel, it is important that we take care to step aside for adults in doorways and passageways.

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We should always look behind us before serving ourselves from the buffet and allow adults to go before us.

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Please try to be sedate in the communal areas. The indoor pool is for relaxing in, a bit like a hot tub. It is not the kind of environment where splashing, shouting excitedly or horseplay would be welcome.

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It would be preferable for those activities taking place in rooms such as watching television; friendly banter and playing games cannot be heard out in the passageway.

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After lights out we need to respect our neighbours and roommates by not messing around.

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The televisions are not to be turned on without permission from one of the staff.

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Hotel telephones will not be used without permission.

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At all times: one of the staff need to know where you are.

“Rugby players may fall in defeat, but they will never kneel for mercy.” Unknown

Crosfields School Rugby Tour Foreword

Headmaster - Jonathan Wansey It is my very great pleasure to write a foreword for the forthcoming Rugby Tour of the West Country. I am thrilled that the boys will be travelling to Bristol during half term ‘on tour’ and I know that they will have a memorable experience. Being on tour is a great opportunity to develop friendships and camaraderie and I have been very impressed so far this term with the ‘team spirit’ which exists in the 1st and 2nd rugby XV teams. I wish the boys a highly successful tour. I know they will have great fun and I am sure they will prove to be excellent ambassadors for the school I offer my sincere thanks to the staff for organising this tour and I very much look forward to being able to support the boys myself, for at least two of their matches. Good luck. Jonathan Wansey

Gareth Edwards – Director of Sports Sports tours offer a fantastic and unique opportunity for players and coaches to spend extended time together in an environment where all are striving for the same goal. Whether the tour is based on another continent or in another county those involved play against an opposition that are an unknown and often against players from different backgrounds and cultures compared to the usual games against local prep schools. I would ask all of the Crosfields 1st XV squad to embrace the chance that they have to spend a memorable five days in the West Country with each other. Enjoy the Rugby and above all else enjoy the experience. Good luck boys! Gareth Edwards

“Your throat is dry, your cheeks are burning, you feel breathless. All that stands between you and glory is an oval-shaped ball and a set of posts.” Neil Jenkins

Crosfields School Rugby Tour Coach’s Message

From the Coach… Since arriving at Crosfields one of my main ambitions has been to raise the profile of rugby at our school. This short tour to Bristol is part of that process. For this reason the support and encouragement that I have received from the parents means a great deal to me. I am very grateful for the way that they have been so understanding and good natured about the tight deadlines we have worked in. Their investment in their son’s rugby has allowed this tour to come about. Whenever the boys and I reminisce fondly about the tour, we will remember the key role our parents have played in allowing this tour to take place. We extend them our deepest thanks. I would also like to make mention of the influence of Gareth Edwards. He has organised new kit for this season, purchased a new scrum machine, arranged additional fixtures and worked hard at training in developing player’s individual skills. Gareth’s ‘can do’ attitude, his guidance and advice have been invaluable as we try to build the stature of this beautiful game at our school. Jonathan Wansey has been one of our tour’s biggest supporters. His enthusiasm in helping to make the tour occur has opened doors and turned aside obstacles. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to him. Daniel Konia has worked hard with the boys on the games field and has agreed to give of his time to accompany the touring party. I am very grateful to Daniel and would like to thank him on behalf of everyone who is benefitting from his input.

Adrian Stewart has given of his time selflessly in helping to prepare the boys on the games field and in shouldering a considerable burden for the organisation of the tour itself. He is worth his considerable weight in gold and I cannot express my appreciation enough. My final thanks are reserved for the young men who will make up our touring party. From designation Alpha to Uniform they are a group of young men we can be very proud of. Their good humour; their enthusiasm for the game; their commitment to improving; their bravery in the heat of battle and the sense of camaraderie and synergy they demonstrate makes working with them a very rewarding experience. Mark Stone 1st XV Coach

“I’m pleased to say I don’t think about rugby all the time: Just most of the time.” Lawrence Dallaglio

Crosfields School Rugby Tour Captains’ Message

From the Captains… We would like to thank a number of people for putting in their time and effort into giving us this opportunity to play rugby against a wider range of sides. Firstly we would like to thank Mr Wansey for accepting the idea of going on a rugby tour. We would also like to thank the sports staff for organising this tour, and arranging our venues, our hotel, and activities. We would like to thank all the parents, and other donors for helping to fund our tour. We appreciate the money, time, and effort that was been put in to giving us this exciting opportunity to expand our Rugby skills and knowledge to a greater level. Finally we would like to thank our teammates for their enthusiastic attitude towards our fundraising. We both felt very privileged to be given the opportunity to captain this side. We are honoured to fight by your side on the field. Many thanks,

Mark Price and Aaron Stewart 1st XV captains

“Before the game friendship – during the game elegant violence – “Before the game game friendship during the game elegant violence – after the is rugby –brotherhood.” after the game is rugby brotherhood.” Unknown Unknown

Crosfields School Rugby Tour Touring Party

Tour Party Name: Nickname: Tour Designation: Position: Favourite Team: Favourite Player: Tour Song:

Mark Price Doctor Crunch Alpha Inside Centre London Irish & England Delon Armitage I love to hate you - Erasure