Rugby Tour

Portadown RFC has a long history of touring France, America and Canada and when the IRFU sent Willie Gribben to Portland Maine to coach and help set up their structures in the 70s a bond was established. Over the years Portland have been to Portadown on three occasions since and this summer we are delighted to be finally making the trip back, to be playing for the Gribben Cup.  The Senior Mens 1st XV are Touring New England from the 5th-14th August and will be playing Boston Irish Wolfhounds and Portland Maine. The tour is designed is designed to be incorporated in pre-season planning for the clubs return to Kukri Qualifying 1.

In the lead up to preparing for tour we have the delight of hosting two American at the club in the coming weeks.

Firstly is Yale University 1st XV from Connecticut, this Ivy League side are touring over  St Patricks fortnight and we are delighted to host them on the 21st March at 1930. It’s not every Tuesday night at Chambers Park that we are hosting one of the biggest US Universities so feel free to come down. Secondly is Eastside Bannshees 1st XV from Minnesota on Friday 31st March at 1930. This sides coach had the good fortune of being at college with Rab Reid and Andrew Chambers and they are delighted to be hosting their old housemates team and his touring party of 75 and should be another great night.

We would be delighted to see you at any of our tour fundraising events this year

Tour Quiz Wednesday 8th March at Chambers Park)

Portadown 1st XV vs Yale 1st XV 21st March 1930 at Chambers Park)

Tour Cathedral Quarter Pub Night- Dark Horse Belfast Wednesday 29th March at 1900d)

Portadown 1st XV vs Eastside Bannshees Minnesota 31st March at 1930e)

PRFC Craft Beer Fest – This should be a great event with the local brewers in the ABC council area and beyond. Tickets available at https://buytickets.at/portadownrugbyfootballclub.Entry costs £15 quid for entry only, buy tokens on the day for drinks. Should be a great opportunity to sample the local, gins, beers, ciders, rums etc.

 

Big thanks also go to our Tour Sponsors ..Rainey and Best, RJ Woolsey Concrete, Shelbourne Motors, Sensoteq,   Mortgage Advice Bureau. 

If you would be interested in sponsoring tour there are still opportunities.

 

Please contact the club on portadownrfc@gmail.com or phone Sam Close on 07599270604. We also hope that when in Portland that Jimmy isn’t getting out jumped by someone 3 times his age..