Over 2 years ago a determined group of parents decided that in 2025 their sons would have the opportunity to go on rugby tour to Canada: It seemed like an audacious goal but after years of preparation, planning and fundraising a team lead by Dionne Owen, Andrea Gerring and Anne Holloway made that dream a reality for over 50 players and parents.

As a result, on the 23rd July 2025 Southport Under 16s landed in Toronto. On the first full day the boys went to the beach, on the shore of Lake Ontario, for games including beach rugby and bulldog in the lake. It was also a great bonding opportunity for all the parents that were on tour; this bonding continued well into the night when everyone went out for food, bowling, pool, shuffleboard and the obligatory giant Jenga.

The next day — with tiredness and sunburn affecting much of the touring party — Southport travelled to Balmy Beach RFC for the first game of the tour. Despite the challenge of playing in 30-degree heat, the players delivered a fantastic performance. It was a game of two distinct halves: a tight, physical opening period saw Southport edge ahead 7–5 at the break, while the second half showcased composure, intensity, and clinical execution. A series of well-worked tries and a strong finish saw Southport pull away in the final 10 minutes to secure a hard-fought 31–10 victory. Try scorers were Samuel Lee, Liam Fusco, Matthew Gerring, Aidan Parr, and Joshua Allen, with Fraser Holloway adding the conversions. Balmy Beach were superb hosts, putting on a fantastic pitch-side BBQ and drinks for all players and supporters.

Saturday brought a trip to Niagara Falls which provided a stunning backdrop for Fin’s dad – Andy – to propose to Vicky who, fortunately for all concerned, said “yes”!

It was back to business on Sunday as Southport faced Barrie RFC, a physically imposing side from a farming community located 80 minutes north of Toronto. In yet another gruelling encounter played in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, the Mighty Under-16s dug deep to edge a hard-fought 19–12 victory. Aidan Parr led the charge with a brace of tries, supported by a score from Samuel Lee and two crucial conversions from Fraser Holloway. The match was a true arm-wrestle, with both sides battling hard throughout. Adding a special touch to the occasion, flanker Harry Antrobus was joined by his grandad Aldo, who had coached many of the boys when they were just Under-6s; making the two tour victories all the more meaningful.

Basking in the victory, the squad travelled north for a further 3 1/2 hours into the Ontario wilderness and to the luxury of Killarney Mountain Lodge.

The next few days were dedicated to much needed rest and relaxation in wonderful surroundings: swimming (in pool and lake), kayaking, hiking and scavenger hunts were the order of the day. Some fantastic communal meals were eaten al fresco including a BBQ and s’mores around the fire pit and an evening fish fry.

On the final evening together Court was held and – as you would expect – what goes on tour stays on tour in that regard! That night Aiden Parr was awarded Player of the Tournament and gave a moving speech.

On the final day, with lifelong memories for the players already secured, the party had a great time at Barrie Water Park before crawling onto the plane back home.

So, the players finished their Under 16s year with an undefeated tour to Canada before now joining the Senior Colts for what promises to be a superb 25/26 season. Training starts at 6.30 on Thursday and any 16/17 yr old who wishes to be part of this exciting squad shouldn’t hesitate to come down to the club with their boots.

Words by Ed Fletcher | President, Southport RFC

A selection of pictures from the tour below: