Highland Rugby Club (HRC) continues centenary celebrations with visit to Inverness twin town in La Baule, France
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A team of veteran players and the boys under-14s team went out to visit Rugby Club Baulois in Brittany.
The town has been twinned with Inverness since 1981, and the visit not only celebrates 100 years of HRC but also 50 years of the French club.
Over the weekend, the teams went head to head playing in a local tournament.
It was HRC’s honorary president Andy Little’s second time visiting La Baule and he said he was delighted to be back.
“It was great to visit La Baule again,” he said. “It’s almost 10 years since our last visit in 2013 and it was wonderful to be there in the year that marks the 50th and 100th anniversaries of our respective teams.
“I have kept in close contact with Alex Camus, president of Rugby Club Baulois, in the intervening period so it was great to see him again.”
Lachan Sangster, a player on the under-14s team, said: “All of us had such a great time with the guys over in La Baule. Not only did we play some great rugby, but we also got to explore the area, visiting the medieval city of Guérande.”
The French hosts were happy to welcome the club back.
Mr Camus said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Highland RFC to La Baule again. Nine years ago, we did this exchange with Andy for the first time.
“Now, friendship between us and our two clubs is strong. Even if we do not meet that often, each meeting is a great moment for rugby of course, but it is mainly the social time we spend together that we never forget.
“I hope we can arrange a trip to Inverness later this year to end such a special year for both clubs.”
HRC are already planning for Baulois to visit them in the near future.
