A highly successful programme, now entering it’s third year, exists to give schoolboy rugby players from Ontario and England the unique opportunity to live and play for an extended period of time in each others’ countries.

This season, three schools are involved - Shebbear College (Devon), Haydon Bridge High School (Northumberland) and The John Cleveland College (Leicestershire), with ten players taking part. The Canadian players will be staying in England for the whole of the autumn term, playing rugby and studying with their English counterparts, with the return visit to Canada taking place from June to September 2004. As well as many lifelong friendships being formed, the benefits in terms of rugby development can be considerable.

One of last season’s participants, Ontario hooker Kevin Bowker, went on to represent Canada at the Under 19 World Cup last March, after his stay at John Cleveland during Autumn 2002. All of the Canadian players involved are outstanding athletes with tremendous rugby potential and would be of benefit to any school involved, both on the field and off. For the English players involved, it gives the chance to experience the delights of summertime in one of the most beautiful environments in the world while playing good rugby and preparing for their own season ahead.

There is no cost involved in participating, other than being able to provide accommodation for a Canadian player for almost four months and paying for flights for the return leg. To be eligible, a school needs to be playing regular 1st XV rugby (Under 18) and be able to offer the coaching and playing opportunities, perhaps in conjunction with a local club, which would help with the development of a young Canadian player.

The programme is best suited for boys while in years 12 or 13 (the current year 11 or 12), and we are now inviting applications from any schools that would like to take part in 2004/5.