We hope all
of you haven’t missed to read about the amazing game we put up against the Witney
Angels in Oxford, UK. None should have missed out on hearing of our tour or the
winning. Sharing is caring, and we try to share everything.
Speaking of
sharing everything, one thing you haven’t heard about is the run-up some of us
had in prior to the game. On pitch we were described as the happiest team the Witney
Angels had played against and that is something we definitely take with us off
the field as well.
Right
before the tour began we were a few who went to the UK a bit earlier. Some of
us hadn’t been in England before, some had lived there but wanted to stroll the
streets one more time and some of us just loves to travel and take all
opportunities one might get. So before the big tour-kick-off on Friday, a few
URFC players spent a few days in London, waiting for the rest of the team.
Already when the flight took ground in Heathrow and we walked by the welcoming
area of the airport, we knew we had to do something for the welcoming of our
soon-to-come rugby mates.
Two days in
London isn’t enough for a rugby-player to see and experience the city, but with
a map, a lot of will, one who had lived there before and comfortable shoes we
did good. Many sights were taken, along with tourist shots and trying out a few
pubs. In inspiration from Friends we were thinking to buy big hats with the
English flag on them to wear at the greeting of team, a proper English welcome,
done by swedes. But tourist-y things are quite expensive and we moved on, in
thought and in London. It wasn’t until late Thursday night, about an hour
before we had to leave for the airport, that we found them. The most amazing,
cool, pretty, beautiful, heroic and perfect hats for our welcoming of the URFC
ladies.
As we stood
at Terminal 5 on Heathrow with hats on, sunglasses on and signs in our hands we
almost got nervous. Were we at the right terminal? Would they even see us? Is
there any time to pee? Suddenly there was one familiar face coming through the
gates, then one more and one more before a whole bunch of happy ladies with
snapbacks saying ”URFC” on. Once they noticed the serious-looking girls with
English police hats on they walked up to us and read the signs ”V.I.P services
UPPSALA RFC LADIES”, all while laughing. We dare to say it was the best
welcoming/reception they have ever gotten!
After some
picture bombing, hugging and greeting it was time to move on to the bus. Where
we could catch up with the rest, talking, singing and some sleeping, until we
got in to Oxford and the mansion of our coach, ready for a weekend of rugby,
training, game and fun.
/ Dino
