Rugby scholarship to France was ‘a fantastic opportunity’ for Tipperary student

Clonmel High School student Matthew Ryan received the Clonmel RFC Camida Youth Academy Scholarship to France this year. Matthew spent 10 days in Soustons, Biarritz last summer, when he received professional rugby coaching and an immersive cultural experience. Here is his account of his trip -

“In May, I was the recipient of the High School Rugby Scholarship in association with Clonmel RFC’s Camida Youth Academy. The scholarship is open to any Transition Year and Fifth Year student playing rugby with the school and Clonmel RFC.

“I spent ten days at the end of June on one of the Rugby and French Summer Camps in Soustons, near Biarritz in the south of France.

“I flew from Dublin into Bordeaux and then travelled onwards to the Soustons Sports Centre for ten days. There were 60 other boys from schools all around Ireland participating in the camp. While a few other boys and I were from Munster, most of the boys were from Leinster, so there was great rivalry from the off!

“A typical day at the camp started with breakfast at 7.30am, when we would all go up to the cafeteria. This was followed by a tough strength and conditioning session and, as the week went on, a stretching session, followed by our daily French class.

“Once the French class was over, we would get an hour of free time. This was followed by the first of our two rugby sessions in the day. Before lunch we would focus on skills and tactics. This included passing, kicking, tackling and rucking. This was the hardest session of the day as the temperature was over thirty degrees.

“After lunch we would have an activity which included kayaking, surfing, gym sessions, swimming, high ropes and body boarding. The late afternoon session revolved around games and mini matches.

“Supported by top class coaches, these S&C and rugby sessions were not for the faint hearted but they were a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and tactics, play with new players, and definitely I came home stronger and fitter as a result.

“While the training was very tough, I also had a lot of fun and craic along the way. Every day we got some time off to experience what Soustons and the surrounding area had to offer. This was a great time to unwind and get to know a lot of the other lads on the camp.

"There were lots of organised trips to the Soustons Market and bull ring, bicycle trips to the beach and we also got some surfing lessons, which were great fun.

“The camp rules were strict but fair, lights out at 11.30 or you risked an additional midnight strength and conditioning class for any offender and their roommates!

“On the second last day a group of Spanish rugby players came to the camp. We played a rugby match against them and came out victorious. We also played a soccer match against them and it was clear we weren’t there for our soccer skills!

“On the last day we got a bus out to a neighbouring town, where we were set free to go swimming in the sea. The waves were large and powerful and watching people surf them was entertaining. We also got to explore the shops and markets in the town.

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“Overall it was a fantastic experience and I sincerely thank the High School CBS and Clonmel RFC Camida Youth Academy for such a fantastic opportunity”.