Parent, Coach & Alumni Testimonials
Our mission is to help young people develop good habits that carry forward to becoming well rounded adults.
Read what parents have to say:
“What a fantastic thing. [My son] loved the camp, and it has done him a world of good.
Hes made new rugby contacts all over the world. He is a good player, but he had problems with his knees for about 18 months, and the damage it did to his confidence in his game was massive, as running fast was not an option, in fact they were so bad at one point he was struggling to play at all. He has come back a different lad, as he’s had to make an impression with his ability and his voice with lads he didn’t know, the biggest thing holding him back has been the lack of confidence in his own ability, and since his return home, his confidence is soo much better.”
— Parent, 2018
“We would like to thank the entire team of the Rugby & French campus for the work they did with our son last summer, a teenager going through a tough time of great vulnerability due to depression which expressed itself through agresiveness. The great team taught our son great values: respect, effort, trust, sportsmanship and friendship. These great teachings and being accepted for who he is no matter what he was going through made our son want to go back to the campus this summer. Thank you very much for making him enjoy rugby and his teammates.
We would like to give a special thanks to Nigel for hosting him. When a teenager has issues no one wants him around. However, Nigel gave us hope and peace in mind from the very first day of the campus during these hard times we have been going through. We think that Nigel is a great professional with excellent skills to help young people develop into their best selves. Both Nigel and his team managed to bring out hope from the damaged heart of our teenager son. “
– Parent, 2022
“Many thanks to you [my son] loved his time in Soustons with the lads and definitely wants to go back again next year.
Let me know as soon as you have dates available and we will be in touch.
So please put us on the list..”
– Parent, 2022
“The trip this year was fantastic. John had a brilliant experience, thank you! He would like to go again next year for sure.
Thank you for the great opportunity for him and all the boys.”
– Parent, 2022
“I’d also just like to pass on my thanks to you and all other organisers involved for the smoothness of how it all ran … I’ve no doubt it is challenging managing all the logistics around Covid plus the general day to day organisation. Nigel thank you for persisting . It was brilliant for the boys.”
— Parent, 2021
“My son declared it as ‘The best week of his Life ‘ So, I think that’s says it all. Absolutely we will put his name down for next year again.”
– Parent, 2022
“[My son] came back fit and energised, it was just the tonic he needed after the year we have had. Thank you again Nigel for everything. I’m delighted that the camps were a great success and I have no doubt that anyone that can will return next year”
— Parent, 2021
“I can’t thank you and the team enough for what you did for [my son]. He absolutely loved it and what an incredible experience for a 15 year old. Rugby aside, he can’t stop talking about the new friends he has made and from a rugby perspective he said it was off the charts both in terms of coaching and facilities. We will be back next year that’s for certain.”
— Parent, 2021
“I picked [my son] up last night. He was in great form. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He said the French teacher is a great bloke and wonderful teacher. Enjoyed the fact that your skill sessions such as off loading allowed for errors whereas his coaches go nuts over a dropped ball hence never really develop the more tricky skill set . That’s a long winded way of saying he had a great time. ”
— Parent, 2018
“Transformational for my son from a confidence and social interaction point of view. This is a special school run by very passionate people who get great results.”
— Parent, 2019
“Thanks for the attention given to my son, he is in the squad which he never thought he could achieve and we are delighted.”
— Parent, 2019
“I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the outstanding job the camp does. I can tell you [my son] learns more each year both from a technical game perspective but more importantly the way you run the camp teaches them how to be great men. Wishing you the best of luck!”
— Parent, 2019
“Just a few words to say that what you achieved this year in France for the boys was astounding. It took foresight, insight, organisational skills and a great deal of courage and a little luck which comes with the above. You have to feel hugely proud. Chapeau!!”
— Parent, 2021
“Full of positive stories and triumph, thanks a million. He will be back next year. Thanks for a fantastic experience for my son.”
— Parent, 2018
“A thrilling experience , was how our son described the trip, always busy, always learning, outstanding rugby coaching, surfing ,sailing, Hi-wires ,new friends and cross-fit. Many congrats on what is obviously a wonderful product built up over a very long time. I will be recommending to all the rugby dads I know in Dublin.”
— Parent, 2016
“[My son] had a great time at the camp and was full of chat about everything – it sounded like a brilliant experience for them all. I’d also just like to pass on my thanks to you and all other organisers involved for the smoothness of how it all ran … I’ve no doubt it is challenging managing all the logistics around Covid plus the general day to day organisation. Nigel thank you for persisting . It was brilliant for the boys.”
— Parent, 2021
“My 13 year old son had a wonderful time on the Rugby and French camp this summer and has already asked about returning next year. The reasons for this enthusiasm are simply due to the excellence of all that he experienced during his ten days there. Fantastic coaching that combined skills, game awareness, fitness, conditioning, hard work and fun; friendly, caring and enthusiastic trainers/monitors; great activities both on and off the water; a real boost to his ability to speak French, good accommodation and a friendly bunch of boys to be with.”
— Parent, 2017
Read what coaches have to say:
“We had a great weekend, certainly it was a while coming with COVID but well worth it. Nearly half the travelling party had left the club due to starting secondary school but were happy to come along. Everything was super smooth and feedback to the other coaches and me has been superb. Some mums have even been on to say how great the dad and son in their family liked the weekend.
The match was great, I think some were worried we might meet a big French team but that wasn’t the case and the match was very pleasant. The kids loved surfing and Biarritz was a super town.
On behalf of all the kids, adults and coaches thanks to you and Nigel for all your hard work. We really had a great time and a very memorable weekend.
Take care and hopefully we will see you for other future trips.
–Adrian Doyle, Head Coach Seapoint under 14s
“On behalf of all involved in Greystones RFC u16s, coaches, parents and boys, I wanted to pass on my thanks to you Nigel and all the team at Rugby and French for the tour in April 2022.
Planning an overseas trip can be daunting, but we were in very capable hands. Originally planned as an u14s tour, until Covid interrupted plans, we persisted together to make sure the tour didn’t fall by the wayside and to have something to look forward all once borders re-opened and rugby had returned.
The tour ticked all the boxes for us and arrangements worked perfectly. Combining wonderful rugby hosts in Roquefort, as well as the opportunity to train with Regis Sonnes, to travelling on to Biarritz with an excellent central hotel, surfing, attending a Top 14 derby and tour dinner you gave us a packed itinerary for the weekend. Even the weather played ball!
The squad was enjoying an excellent season of rugby, with two Leinster finals to look forward to, and a change of scene towards the end of a long season was perfectly timed from a squad bonding perspective.
I’d highly recommend Rugby and French to any other clubs or schools thinking of an away trip.
-Denis Casey, Head Coach, Greystones Rfc u16s
“Our annual trip was again excellent,We thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and even came home with a trophy !! Saturday evening in Biarritz and the meal was perfect as was the surfing lesson.Thanks a million for all your help in organising such a smoothly run trip.”
– Maurice Tunney, Blackrock RFC
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all of the time and effort you put into planning & implementing our trip to France.
The boys had a great time – really productive training and they enjoyed the activities too. They have created some brilliant memories.
Please can you also pass on our thanks to the coach company. Gary & Dai were excellent drivers – skilful and helpful. Professional and friendly in equal measure.
Nigel – thank you for your help and support throughout the trip. More legendary sessions on the pitch and a good craic off it. It was great fun!
The pre trip organisation was very impressive indeed. It is no easy task and I am very grateful..!
Hopefully we will be able to get back next year or in the not too distant future.”
— Nick Platt, Royal Hospital School Ipswich
“Just back from Liverpool. Fantastic trip, ran like clockwork. The stop off on Bangor was spot on. The lady on the ground is amazing. She rolls out the red carpet for us and lays everything on. Great to get to Man city and the golf was spot on. It simply couldn’t have gone any better. Our two teams won 4-0 and 2-0 but the games were perfect.”
— Ivan, St.Andrews School, 2022
“After just returning from our end of season mini rugby tour to Souston and Biarittz, I wanted to send on my thanks to you/ Rugby and French for helping to arrange our trip. Planning a trip for 85 people would be difficult at the best of times, but with the added pressure of several locations allied to the significance of our trip, we found that the hard work that you put in beforehand, really made the trip for the boys. Knowing you as a passionate rugby man and coach, everyone enjoyed the supervised rugby training on Fri evening before our Saturday morning games.
The choice of venues couldn’t have been better and the lunch we all had on Saturday before the final was superb with great and very friendly service.
Overall, our busy schedule worked out very well taking in the final in Bilbao which was an added bonus for the boys and their parents, but well worth it with precious memories for everyone. Finally, what a fantastic opportunity for everyone to surf on the Sunday morning, a brilliant a fun end to a memorable weekend.”
— Karl, Blackrock RFC Head coach U12’s
“I just wanted to send a short email on behalf of Blackrock RFC to thank you for what was an amazing U12 mini rugby graduation trip for our parents, coaches group of boys last weekend.
It ran like clockwork thanks to huge amount of work you did behind the scenes not to mention looking after us from when we arrived up until when we left.
Every aspect of the trip was great from surfing to hi wiring and of course playing the French clubs.
The teams were all of equal standard making it very enjoyable to watch and for our kids to play.
I would recommend this trip to any other clubs thinking of an away trip.”
— Maurice Tunney
“I write on behalf of Munster Rugby to sincerely thank you and all involved for your kind hospitality and friendship in hosting us in such a professional manner. The facilities, food and opposition were excellent and exactly what we required in advance of our upcoming Inter Provincial Series. The team bonding that the players experienced from this trip will be invaluable and the values and traditions of our game that you and Munster Rugby hold dear were very evident in everything that you said and did for us.
Playing at the local Soustons stadium against the Aquitaine selection side made up of high quality players from the South West Region selection and was a positive exercise for our young schools squad. To play the four power house clubs of France’s young age grade players from Perpignan, Biarritz, Bayonne and Toulouse provided excellent opposition.
The learning for the players and the game intensity will help them to grow and become better players. It was a pleasure to be in your company and see the environment that you and you colleagues are developing and creating for young players for the future game of Rugby and demands they will face on and off the pitch.
Please find attached some photos and a report from Kevin on our tour with you. We hope for this to be the start of more trips like this with our Munster Representative Teams.
Again many thanks for all your help & assistance in arranging and facilitating the above fixture.”
— Munster Rugby
“Leinster U 17 Schools chose the rugby and French base in south-west France as their base for their game and training camp this April. The facilities were excellent, the food was excellent and plentiful and ideal for our needs.”
— Leinster Rugby
“Just a few short lines to thank you for your hospitality over the weekend. As you know we had 29 children and 12 adults and every person that travelled has asked me to express their thanks for a fantastic few days.
Everything from the accommodation to the food to the rugby was top class. All the kids enjoyed the onsite facilities such as the high wire and more especially the rugby against Tyrosse. That was a very sporting game played at a high standard that can only improve our skills and expectations as a team.
Our first team coach Richie Murphy has commented to our youth officer that “this is the way to go” so you can expect enquiries from Ennis RFC coaches for next year. ”
— Gerry Lynch, Mike Corey, Martin O’Connor, Coaches Ennis RFC Under 16s
“We took our U15 side to The Rugby and French Camp in Soustons this October half term for a training and team building week in preparation for the rest of their season. The staff and boys had an absolutely marvellous week with some great games of rugby and excellent activities including high wires, surfing, paintballing and kayaking. The accommodation and food were first class and as a venue and base for a rugby tour the camp is ideal. As well as having the excellent facilities, including 2 top class floodlight pitches, having access to several skills and conditioning sessions with Nigel was perfect and the ideal ‘change of voice’ for our lads as they look to embark on what we hope will be a successful season. A big thanks and well done to all – we will be back with our seniors for pre-season and with the Under 15’s same time next year!”
— Mark Patterson – Director of Sport, St. Josephs College, Ipswich
Hear what professional alumni have to say:
“I was very impressed with the whole set up, you guys are doing a massive service not only to the game of rugby butto the development of the boys life skills and they have made friends for life, you and dave should be very proud of what you have created as I am sure all the boys that I saw at camp will be better players and people for the experience they have had.”
— Chris Pim, Leinster Captain
“[My son]’s training like a mad thing since he got back, can’t be a bad thing, he loved the camp but thought it was tough. Has been great for him and his rugby, first thing he said at the airport was that he wanted to go back next year. Brilliant.”
— Peter Clohessy, Munster Irish Legend
“I was sent out to the Rugby and French Programme by the IRFU through the Munster Branch along with Johnny Holland who has also just signed a contract with Munster for next season. The trip was brilliant. It opened my eyes to the standard of player out there and what was required to compete with them. The coaching was great and I still remember stuff I learned today. The activities and general craic was great. It really whetted my appetite and gave me the belief and the desire to crack on and have a go at being a professional player.”
— JJ Hanrahan – Munster and Ireland. Nominated for World Under 20 Player of the Year
“I enrolled in the French Rugby and language program when I was 15. I was eager to gain quality coaching and practice over the summer as I had aspirations of progressing my rugby career. I was playing 5 nights a week during the school year for my club (Cobham) , my school (American Community School) , County (Surrey) and the London Welsh academy . I needed to keep it up over the summer and I was studying French at School, so I decided to give it a go.
The facilities were excellent near Biarritz. The level of Rugby was to an extremely high standard. We played the France national age-group side, which was certainly a highlight. Weather was superb. The coaches were excellent and all experienced professionals. My team mates were mostly Irish and great fun. I did improve my French quite a bit. I was appointed chief translator. Everyday I would walk into the town and order steak Hache for the gang. It was a great way keep in shape, learn the game and improve my French. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— Alex Corbisero – Northampton and England
“I attended the Rugby and French programme and thought it was brilliant. It really helped develop my love of rugby and improved my skills. I also thought it was great for my French as well as being great craic. I made lots of new friends and still stay in touch with them today. I would strongly recommend the course for any ambitious young player.”
— Ian Keatley– Munster, Ireland out half
“The rugby and French camp was a fantastic experience coaches were great with plenty of individual attention. The other activities added greatly to the experience.He is mad keen to go back next year. Brilliant.”
— Phillip Matthews– Captain Ulster, Ireland, and Irish & British Lions