A Tour Manager’s view on Match Days for a Rugby Tour.
The Match Day Schedule
Most Spanish clubs play rugby matches on a Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm. The travelling time to the stadium and for warming up should be calculated in advance, i.e. 1 hour before kick-off time. By mid-morning your team should be ready for the match.
Spanish Club Facilities
The pitches may vary from good sized grass to compact astroturf. The team changing rooms will be basic but suitable. Take some time to have a look around before the team set off for their warm up to familiarise yourself with the layout and to establish where the team will be warming up.
Arranging Match Officials
The referees for touring matches are provided by the host club or local rugby federation. How the laws of rugby are applied on match day remain the same as for any other match. It is wise to brief your captain on any language problems prior to kick-off.
The Third-Half Tradition
Be prepared for post-match hospitality to be taken seriously by the club you are playing against. A shared meal, and drinks, with songs and small presentations for the losing side, is a major part of the enjoyment of a rugby tour to Spain.
Managing Squad Rotations
Don’t wait until match day to start planning player rotation. Try to ensure that all players see as much play as possible by spreading them evenly across the two halves of play or indeed across a number of matches throughout the tour. More on Rugby Tours To Spain can be found at https://www.foxsportstravel.co.uk/sports-travel/rugby-tours/spain.
A well-planned match day can be the start of a fantastic rugby tour to Spain.
