Rugby
A senior rugby squad of 42 players, led by Director of Rugby Paul Burke, embarked on a five-day preseason tour to Dublin. The trip was designed to build momentum ahead of the upcoming season – and it delivered on every front.
Hosted by University College Dublin, the squad trained at the prestigious UCD campus, home to Leinster Rugby. Across the week, players engaged in a series of high-intensity pitch and gym sessions. The staff at UCD were quick to commend the squad’s outstanding behaviour and respectful conduct throughout their stay – an impressive reflection of the culture and values set by the group.
Two competitive fixtures against Belvedere College provided valuable game time for all players, allowing the squad to test combinations and build cohesion under match conditions.
Beyond the training pitch, the squad enjoyed a truly inspiring evening with former Leinster, Ireland, and British & Irish Lions Number 8 Jamie Heaslip. His insights into elite performance and leadership left a lasting impression on the players. The group also had the rare opportunity to observe Leinster’s senior squad in an open training session, an eye-opening experience that displayed the intensity and precision required at the highest level.
A guided tour of the iconic Aviva Stadium, including pitch-side access, was a highlight for many, offering a glimpse into the heart of Irish rugby. The tour concluded with a final training session and tour at the world-class Campus Ireland facility, capping off a memorable and highly successful preseason camp.
Also in August, 40 boys from the Colts and Under 15 squads took part in a three-day rugby tour to the University of Bath, organised by Assistant Director of Rugby Simon Whatling. It centred around teamwork, discipline, enjoyment and hard work. The tour included high-quality training sessions, competitive in-house opposed run-throughs and team-building activities, all hosted within the University’s outstanding sports facilities.
The boys also got a behind-the-scenes tour of how the rugby programme at Bath runs. The experience not only enhanced the boys’ rugby skills and tactical understanding but also strengthened team unity and created lasting memories. Their behaviour throughout was exemplary, and they represented the College with pride and maturity.
Hockey
46 senior and junior hockey players embarked on a tour to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, led by Director of Hockey Brett Garrard. The players worked hard in their training sessions and played several challenging fixtures.
All sides won matches, with the 1st team winning twice against strong opposition, learning much by playing against strong and in some cases adult teams, and improvement across the tour was evident.
The tour was a testament to the girls’ character. They worked together superbly to produce some excellent hockey and to bond as a group. As intended, the tour was great preparation for the upcoming season.
Football
The Senior Footballers spent four days in Spain, on a tour led by Director of Football Andy Parkinson. The boys carried themselves as great ambassadors and worked hard on fitness and patterns of play, training in first-class surroundings and enjoying excellent facilities, including ice baths to aid recovery.
Competitive fixtures were played and their two matches were won well, setting the squads up suitably for the coming term’s matches.
