FARMINGTON – Thirty-three rugby players from England arrived Thursday and were welcomed by the University of Maine at Farmington.
UMF Director of Alumni Relations Mary Sylvester welcomed the players in a ceremony that was a precursor to what promises to be an exciting weekend for British and Farmington players alike.
Holmes Chapel, a small rural town about the size of Farmington that is two hours north of London, was one of the more-memorable stops during the UMF Rugby Club’s last tour in 2004. UMF will return the favor this weekend, as the British team makes its way through New England. Mike Corfield, one of the tour directors from Holmes Chapel, said their town was “fortunate” to meet such “fantastic friends.” When the British team began putting together an American tour, Farmington was on top of its list.
The Holmes Chapel team flew into Boston on Sunday and from there drove north to Portland. After losing a close game to the Portland Rugby Football Club on Wednesday, the team made its way to Farmington, where players were welcomed at the Ferro Alumni Center by Sylvester.
“We are very pleased that you are here,” said Sylvester, to which Corfield replied jokingly, “I pray we behave well.”
The tour has so far been “absolutely fantastic,” he added. While half of the 33 players have been to the United States before, none have been to Maine. Corfield said that he and his players feel “truly fortunate” to have visited the state.
The Holmes Chapel and UMF rugby clubs exchanged several gifts, including an official Holmes Chapel banner with their crest, and expect to spend an enjoyable weekend together. Many of the British and American players plan on going white-water rafting on the Kennebec River today, while others are planning on a round of golf in Wilton. Other events on the agenda include a super hero-themed costume dinner party and a post-match social event.
Sylvester expressed her support of the tour saying that it was, “a special opportunity for the students to exchange cultures.”
Holmes Chapel and Farmington will play each other at 1 p.m. Saturday at Prescott Field in Farmington.
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