By Richard Sykes
Huddersfield RUFC is hosting a touring party from Argentina at Lockwood Park on Saturday January 27.
Two Colts teams from the Belgrano Athletic Club in Buenos Aires are in the UK on an overseas tour and have chosen Huddersfield for one of their fixtures.
Huddersfield Colts team manager Tracy Davis is thrilled at the prospect of the forthcoming games and said: “When the call came from Argentina to ask if we would host the answer was a great big yes!
“For those who have played the game the number one thrill is touring. We may not be touring but the next best thing is hosting. We have hosted lots of touring sides but Belgrano is a big upgrade.
“We have 35 registered Colts players but can’t guarantee that all will be fit so we have invited Pontefract to play one of the Belgrano teams. Saturday is going to be a mega festival of under 18s rugby.
“Our lads are buzzing and, who knows, in a few years’ time we may do it again in the South American sunshine.”
Belgrano Athletic is one of the original members of the Argentinian RFU. Formed in 1896 the club has been one of the most successful in the country.
The senior team competes in the ‘Top 12’, which is the highest league in the country, and has a string of regional and national titles to its credit.
Nicknamed the ‘Marrons’ (Browns) many internationals have worn the brown and gold of Belgrano, including Tomas Cubelli and Francisco Gomez Kodela who represented the country in last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Argentinians have crossed the Atlantic with two Colts squads, Under 20s and Under 18s. It is the latter that will be taking on Huddersfield. The Under 20s are playing their northern leg tour match in York.
Back-to-back games are scheduled at Lockwood Park with Pontefract joining the party to play Belgrano in the curtain raiser with an 11am kick-off. Huddersfield will be taking the pitch for the second game which starts at 1pm.
A full rugby day has been planned by the Huddersfield Colts management team. There will be a hog roast and barbecue and an outside bar. Admission to the ground is free and open to all.
Tracy added: “I know we will give Belgrano a really great game of rugby which will be good to watch. Off the field we are determined to show our visitors some warm and welcoming Yorkshire hospitality.
“I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to our ground to come and enjoy the day with us.”
