A round up of Tonbridge School’s recent trip to the Basque Region
In late August, Tonbridge School returned from a fantastic 6-day tour, where they undertook their pre-season preparations in the stunning Basque Region. From beachside training sessions and a victorious local fixture to catching waves in a surf lesson and soaking up the excitement watching Bayonne vs Biarritz – this trip delivered on all fronts! During their trip, we managed to catch Rhys Crane, the Director of Rugby from Tonbridge School to give us his thoughts on tour.
What does a pre-season rugby tour look like with The Learning Adventure?
A pre-season rugby tour with The Learning Adventure combines high-level sports training, cultural immersion, and team-building experiences.
The sporting element is one key part of any tour but a truly special pre-season trip has to deliver away from the pitch too. Our pre-season rugby tours provide the perfect balance of cultural exploration and team-building activities. Students will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture by exploring historic landmarks, visiting vibrant markets, and taking part in unique experiences like learning local sports or language lessons. These activities offer valuable insights into the destination’s heritage and traditions, giving students a well-rounded educational experience beyond the rugby field and creating bonds that translate into a togetherness on the pitch.
‘It’s all about being together. We’ve been on a few trips and this by far the best we’ve been on. It’s just a really cool experience for the boys going to all the French towns across the coastline. It’s a beautiful environment, sea, sand and surf.’
Rhys Crane – Director of Rugby
Why is the Basque Region good for a pre-season rugby tour?
The Basque Region is an ideal destination for a pre-season rugby tour due to its strong rugby culture, top-tier facilities, and unique environment for team development. Rugby is deeply ingrained in the local community, providing teams with the opportunity to play competitive matches or train alongside well-established local clubs, exposing players to different playing styles and levels of competition. The facilities in the area are top-notch, equipped with everything needed for teams to focus on fitness, technique, and tactical preparation. This rigorous on-field training helps players sharpen their skills and build endurance ahead of the upcoming season.
Beyond the field, the Basque Region offers plenty of team-building activities, from surfing along the coast and hiking through scenic landscapes to exploring cultural landmarks—all fostering camaraderie and strengthening bonds between players. Getting the chance to explore iconic cities like San Sebastián allows students to also explore the unique blend of Spanish and French influences. The combination of competitive rugby, world-class training facilities, and cultural immersion makes the Basque Region a standout choice for pre-season preparation. Rhys Crane explains why Tonbridge school loved the Basque Region for their rugby tour:
‘The Basque region itself is the French rugby heartland. The teams that we’re going to be playing against play proper French rugby – with a classic French style. It’s amazing, everybody just loves rugby here.’
Rhys Crane – Director of Rugby
What are the benefits of a pre-season rugby tour?
A pre-season tour rugby school tour offers numerous benefits for students and coaches, providing the perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming season. With training sessions and local fixtures, players get the opportunity to work on their skills and experience different playing styles, making them more adaptable on the field. A rugby tour can enhance physical conditioning through targeted training sessions that build players’ strength and endurance. It also sharpens mental resilience, as playing the sport they love in a new destination helps to expand students’ horizons and teaches essential life skills.
But most of all, the excitement and fresh environment of a rugby tour can boost motivation and focus, setting the stage for a successful season ahead.
‘It’s the start of the season for us, and the beginning of our pre-season where we come together and get to know the boys. With two year groups coming together for the first time, a fixture is a great way to get to know each other.’
Rhys Crane – Director of Rugby
Why The Learning Adventure?
At The Learning Adventure we operate unforgettable rugby school tours all over the world. Using our extensive network across the globe, we ensure you’re guaranteed the optimum rugby experience. From high-performance, pre-season camps designed to elevate your game, tailored fixtures to immersive cultural experiences that connect you with local communities, our tours offer a comprehensive range of options.
‘From start to finish we’ve had regular communication around planning the trip. Having people here directly on the ground with us has been really great, and to have people speak the local language makes it really smooth. It’s been super helpful.’
Rhys Crane – Director of Rugby
Explore our rugby tours. Remember, all of our trips are fully customisable. If you would like to speak to an educational specialist about planning a school trip then enquire now.
Chat to us commitment-free, about how The Learning Adventure can help you organise an unforgettable, life-changing educational tour, complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.
