The UMRFC has returned from a successful spring break tour to France. 33 players and 1 coach were able to represent U of M abroad and below are some highlights from the trip outside of the match reports.
Michigan Rugby at Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach and Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
One of the strongest impressions left on the team was from the team’s trip to the beaches of Normandy. With the help of former player Ben Cans and alumni donations, the team rented a bus for the day and made the three hour trip up towards the coast northwest of Paris. The team first stopped at the WWII Museum in Caen. The thorough museum helped describe the build up to the war as well as the effects on France and Europe. The club traveled on to Bayeux for a lunch break before making it to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial near Colleville-sur-Mer. The cemetery invoked some strong feelings of both patriotism and sadness for those who lost their lives in the battles. The team then took a short drive down to Omaha Beach proper. After an intense afternoon, it was a nice place to remember what the Allied Forces won for so many people.
Michigan Rugby at the Louvre
Tourists
Back in Paris, the team set off on some standard touristy outings. Players managed the Metro and their limited French well enough to maneuver around city during free time. The team organized an outing to the Louvre followed by a walk down the Champs-Elyssee to the Arc de Triomphe. Small groups made their way to the Eiffel Tower during the week as well as more remote landmarks such as the Grande Arche and the Palace of Versailles. Some players also went to mass at Notre Dame on Sunday. The Catacombs below the city were quite interesting and somewhat morbid. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur was just up the street from the hotel and provided wonderful views of the city. There was also a UMRFC touch session held in front of Les Invalides, the resting place of Napoleon.
UMRFC touch session in front of Les Invalides
Service work at the American Cathedral in Paris
Service Work
With the help of Junior Pete Melgren, the UMRFC was able to spend Friday volunteering for the American Cathedral in Paris. The players arrived at the church and were greeted by familiar accents. Christy, the leader for the day was actually from Michigan. She put the players to work cleaning the pews and the church’s library. Players then returned to the kitchen and dining area to prepare for the day’s lunch mission. The lunch is designed to treat the patrons with respect so the players were the waitstaff as well as the servers and cleaners. It was a great experience and the church’s professional chef’s served up a fantastic meal.
Michigan Rugby at Racing Metro Top 14 Match
Top 14 Match
One of the final highlights of the trip was the team’s outing to a French Top 14 professional rugby match courtesy of alumni donations. The game was between Racing Metro and Bayonne at Racing’s home grounds of the Stade Yves Du Manoir – Colombes. The game featured a heavy dose of tactical kicking as well as penalty kicks. Racing was down 18-15 (all points on penalty kicks) late in the game before Francois Steyn helped spur Sireli Bobo for a strong run down the sideline and into the try zone. The crowd finally found it’s voice as the teams started to open the game up. It was an enjoyable finish as Racing held on for a 22-21 victory. The players walked away with some souvenirs as well as the first professional rugby experience for most. Thank you to all of the generous supporters who helped make this happen.
Thank you again to everyone who made this trip possible. This is a special part of Michigan Rugby and it would not be possible without you. The memories the trips to the Normand American Cemetery and Memorial and the professional rugby match will be with the fortunate members for their lifetime.
