Watch the Beppu Tour 2025 U15’s Training here!

Bath Rugby Foundation and Bath RFC are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our partnership: the Beppu Tour 2025! In February, 33 young players, including six students from St Mark’s School and Bath RFC’s U15s, will embark on an unforgettable trip to Beppu, Japan. This tour, in celebration of Beppu and Bath’s 30-year city twinning, promises not only incredible rugby experiences but also meaningful cultural exchanges, creating memories and learning opportunities that will last a lifetime.

The journey began in earnest last weekend as Bath RFC U15s and St Mark’s students came together for their first training session at Lambridge Training Ground. Despite the rainy weather, spirits were high as the boys trained side by side, and Bath RFC proudly presented Bath RFC ties to the St Mark’s students, officially welcoming them to the team heading to Japan. Parents and families gathered to learn more about this unique opportunity and the positive impact it will have on their children.

In close collaboration with the Bath & Beppu Friendship Association and Beppu Council, this tour will blend rugby with local coaching sessions in Beppu schools, cultural immersion, and sightseeing, offering an incredible learning experience for all involved. Halena Coury, Head of Fundraising at Bath Rugby Foundation, commented on the significance of the trip:

"The power of sport, combined with cultural and educational elements, will make this trip lifechanging and memorable. We’re proud to take this special group of young players from Bath and the surrounding areas on this incredible journey."

Bath RFC U15s Head Coach, Gordon, also expressed his excitement for the tour, saying:

"We are so fortunate as a group to be getting this opportunity, which can only be described as once in a lifetime for these 33 U15 lads. They are such a great bunch and are going to get huge benefit from this trip, which is about so much more than the rugby. I am just really excited to get out there and see how they react and manage the situation because I honestly don’t think they realise the true nature of what lies ahead for them on this opportunity."

As we prepare for this exceptional journey, we’re actively fundraising to support the tour’s costs. Events include lunches, dinners, wreath-making workshops, car washes, bag-packing days, sake tastings, and more. We warmly invite the community to join us in making this dream a reality for these young players, whether through attending events or making a donation.

We are proud to represent Bath in Beppu in February 2025, marking the anniversary of the 100-year bond between Beppu and Japan and the 30-year city partnership with Bath.