Farnham Rugby Club’s minis tour for boys and girls from under-seven to under-11 level saw a record 549 tourists descend on Ladram Bay in Devon on March 2 and 3.

The Atlantis-themed tour featured a fun-packed itinerary including two rugby festivals and an evening of brilliant entertainment from an army of rugby club volunteers.

On March 2 Chard rugby club hosted the rugby festival, with added competition from North Dorset rugby club. Farnham fared well in all age groups, with some wonderful rugby played. Rain postponed the Chard v Farnham Seniors game until next year.

In the evening the under-11s enjoyed their graduation to the junior section before creative choreography and prop placing let 80 coaches compete in a dance-off to sea-themed music. The under-tens coaches won with a slick Jaws, sea shanty and Baby Shark mash-up. The under-eights were close runners-up with a very entertaining dance that an Olympic synchronised swimming team would have been proud of.

On March 3 Exmouth rugby club hosted a hybrid training and festival session, with the rugby again hampered by saturated pitches.

The tour, managed and run by club volunteers, created many happy memories for all. The minis section was again privileged to offer the opportunity for members and their families to enjoy this event.

Farnham Rugby Club’s minis section owes a huge amount of gratitude to the under-tens Atlantis committee who worked tirelessly for more than a year to deliver this fabulous tour.

Farnham thanks Chard and Exmouth rugby clubs for their immense efforts to host in the recent rain, and main sponsor Charles Tyrwhitt, tailors to England Rugby.

Robert Smith