Rugby The Barbarian U14's
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Following the selection process last year, Cameron Henderson, Toby Pilkington and I were selected to represent the England U14 Barbarians Rugby Squad last May in the highly prestigious Jean Rumeau Tournament in Biarritz.
Our warm up match in Souston against a very strong Irish side proved vital in getting us to play as a team in preparation for the tournament. The game was close but we had the edge and the speed of our backs triumphed over the Irish in the end.
The next day we travelled to Biarritz for the tournament which was staged at the main stadium, Stade Aguilera. It was the 25th anniversary of the tournament and there were 16 teams competing, including ones from Argentina, Ireland, and Spain as well as the top French academies.
Our group consisted of St Jean de Luz Olympique, Biarritz academy and Colomiers. Despite tough opposition we passed through our group conceding only one try to Colomiers who put in a beautiful kick picked up by their winger. This was our toughest match in the group with the opposition playing a fluent passing game. However due to two late tries , we were through to the next round.
In the semi-finals we met Colomiers again with another close game, but in the last play of the match we broke their line and went over for a try, giving us the win. The other semi-final was a bitter battle between two old rivals, Toulouse and Bayonne, with Bayonne, who were favourites to win the tournament having had an undefeated season, finally going through.
The final saw the Barbarians against Bayonne. By this time our skill was proving more than a match for the French with our dynamic, expansive style of play. The game was very tough and physical, with Bayonne trying to use the speed of their winger with kicks through, but we kept them under pressure, and when we had possession we stretched their defences, breaking their line.
The Barbarians won the tournament and with all the photographers and attention within the stadium we felt on top of the world. The French people were generous with their applause and the friendship they extended to us, and it was great to meet rugby enthusiasts from all the different countries competing.
Our thanks must go, however, to Chris Terry and the Barbarians coaching staff, and also to Mr Davenport for giving us permission to go.