Highland Rugby hosts touring Welsh teams

FERGUS – Highland Rugby Club welcomed two touring Welsh school teams to Victoria Park on July 14 and 17, hosting matches at the U16 and U18 levels.

The first match saw Highland’s U16 boys face St. Albans School of Pontypool, Wales.  Members of the Grand Celtic Pipe Band led both teams onto the field, accompanied by children from Highland’s mini rugby program.

The match was played in sweltering conditions and was closely contested from the opening whistle. Both sides played an open, attacking style before a strong crowd, with St. Albans winning 27-5.

Following the match, players, coaches and families attended a potluck meal organized by Highland parents.

On July 17, Highland’s U18 team hosted Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (YDA), a rugby academy affiliated with the Welsh Rugby Union. 

The Grand Celtic Pipe Band and Highland’s mini section again led teams onto the field as the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus performed the Canadian and Welsh national anthems before kickoff.

Facing an academy program led by former world rugby player-of-the-year Shane Williams, Highland rose to the occasion with a determined and physical performance.

The visitors brought a larger touring squad, rotating the players throughout the match. Highland remained competitive and never backed down, officials say, with captain Spencer Lamarche scoring a try for the home side.

After the match, both clubs gathered in the clubhouse for a barbecue, speeches and performances by the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus. 

Players from both clubs exchanged jerseys and other memorabilia.

The club said the tour strengthened ties between Highland and its Welsh visitors, and raised the possibility of Highland teams travelling to Wales.