University of Delaware

Irish Rugby Tours gave us a rugby itinerary and pricing that fit our budget...

'I would not even think of traveling with a rugby team to Ireland in the future, without the help of George Hook and Irish Rugby Tours'
Bjorn M. Haglid, P.E.
University of Delaware Head Coach

Our trip to Ireland last spring was the best rugby tour the University of Delaware has ever taken.  We worked with George Hook of Irish Rugby Tours.  Mr. Hook provided us with an itinerary and pricing that fit our budget.  From the first day to the last, everything happened as promised.

We traveled with 43 people, this included two teams (A&B sides), some alumni and parents.  Our trip was from March 26 to April 2 2006 for a total of 8 days.  We played 5 different teams in three different towns which included: Limerick, Galway and Dublin.

We encountered no real difficulties during the trip.  The bus was driven by a gentleman named Greg, who was from Cork, but we didn’t hold that against him.  The bus was comfortable and took us everywhere, even when the street didn’t appear passable, Greg made it happen.

Hospitable Home Teams
The teams were beyond hospitable, giving us good games and places to shower up afterwards.  Good food and friends were made at each club.  Overall, Galway was the teams’ favorite stopping spot.  Nothing like playing a rugby game across from a lake and castle.  A college town, where the boys felt a bit at home.  Good food and lively entertainment was found by all.

Eye-opening Training Sessions
The team was also provided 2 training sessions with local high level coaches.  Truly eye-opening to everyone on the team including myself, the Delaware Coach.  We were able to incorporate some of the techniques and tactics provided.  The others, we are still trying to figure out….

Irish Rugby Tours - A Great Help
All in all, most of the players had never traveled outside of the country before, so this was a real treat.  I would say getting everyone to obtain their passports was the most difficult part of setting up the tour.  I would not even think of traveling with a rugby team to Ireland in the future, without the help of George Hook and Irish Rugby Tours.

Bjorn M. Haglid, P.E.
University of Delaware Head Coach

Click here for tour pics