Waterford's Waterpark RFC play in U12 Rugby Challenge at La Rochelle, France

Waterpark RFC U/12’s travelled to La Rochelle in France last weekend to play against the cream of French Rugby in the Serge Palito Challenge tournament on May 7.

It was a tough start for the young Waterpark RFC players on Sunday morning, coming up against a powerful Stade Rochellais. 

This under-12 team from the home of the European champions delivered a masterclass of line speed, scrummaging, incredible counter-rucking and cross field kicks.

The referee for the first game was young Rua O’Gara, son of Ronan, a strong youth player himself for Stade Rochellais.

Waterpark battled on with further losses before lunch against Cahors La Roche sur yon and Poitiers.

Lunch couldn’t have come quick enough and the players and coaches were treated to a lovely hot meal and dessert and the main stadium.

A different Waterpark side emerged after the break with four superb matches, a narrow loss followed by a draw against Cognac, a superb 4 try to 0 win against Tours and a 4 tries to 3 win versus Fontenay.

Senior club coach Ronan O’Gara and his wife Jessica paid a visit to the Irish team to wish them well and congratulate them on their strong afternoon performances.

After the matches, La Rochelle and Waterpark made presentations to each club and thanked each other for such a brilliant day. It was amazing to see the kids from both clubs bond so well and chants of “La Rochelle, La Rochelle" echoed across the grounds. The French kids will be in Dublin in 2 weeks to cheer on their team against Leinster in the Heineken Cup Final.

A huge barbecue and presentation followed for all the teams present. The young Munster players and their parents were simply blown away by the incredible hospitality, friendliness and passion for rugby.