Inverness youth rugby team set for 'once in a lifetime' Italian tour
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Players of an Inverness rugby team are all set for departure as they head to Italy on tour to play against local teams.
Twenty-one players of Highland RFC's U17 will leave Inverness on Saturday and head to Milan for what is set to be an incredibly busy time playing three teams: AS Milano, Bergamo and Cus Milano.
After taking home the Caledonian Shield in 2022, this is the team's legacy tour, with players set to continue to play at U16 age and others moving up to U18.
A Highland RFC spokesperson said: "None of the players have ever been on a tour before, so this is a once in a life time experience. The players are from the Black Isle, Inverness, Nairn, and Strathspey.
"Some are still in school, while others have jobs. We wanted to them to go on this tour before they move away or take different paths.
"The tour will allow these young athletes to experience the thrill of international competition but also provide them with invaluable life lessons and memories that will last their life time.
"They will experience different cultures, build international friendships and develop skills that extend far beyond the rugby field."
Local businesses – such as RSE, Boiler and Valve, NFU – Dingwall and Thurso, Highland Council Ward Funding and Inverness Dental Laboratory as well as Robertson's Homes – have supported the team, who have also been busy doing fundraising over the past year with the support of the club.
