Pre-tour or The welcoming

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