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Churchill Cup Rugby
Rugby School welcomes Canada and Italy A ahead of Churchill Cup finals
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CHURCHILL CUP finalists Rugby Canada were treated to a training session in the glorious surrounding of Rugby School on Tuesday as they prepared for their crunch game against England Saxons on Saturday.

Following wins over Italy A and Russia – both of whom inspired late fight backs to push the Canadians all the way – the men of North America will face title holders and strong favourites to lift the trophy for the sixth time, England Saxons.

But as fullback and Bedford Blues player James Pritchard said, the Canadians have every reason to believe in a win come Saturday, saying:

"The big thing is ball possession, I think that if we can get enough of the ball and maintain it, and cut down on our mistakes, we are in with a real chance.

“We've watched the other two games they've played in, and the Saxons had the majority of the ball and they are very hard to stop in attack, so we feel if we can keep hold of the ball, and go through the phases, cut down on our mistakes, we can give them a real game."

In a change to their normal training surroundings at Broadstreet, Coventry, Rugby Canada ran out into the magnificent setting of Rugby School – the birthplace of the sport – on a sundrenched Tuesday afternoon. Following a lengthy  training session, Jamie Cudmore, Phil Mckenzie and Pritchard were offered a tour of the grounds from Sports Director Simon Brown, who delved into the history of the 400 year-old school.

Brown commented:

“On behalf of Rugby School, we were delighted to welcome Rugby Canada here. The school has a long and rich history of rugby union and we are always more than willing to welcome sides from elsewhere around the world.

“I would like to thank all three players from Canada Rugby for the interest they showed in the school and particularly for conversing with the students during lunch – I’m sure that was an experience they won’t forget. I'd also like to wish them the best of luck for this coming Saturday.”

Not ones to miss out on the action, Italy A were also welcomed to the school where Andrea Bacchetti, Nicola Bellardo and Andrea Manici led a skills session before organising a game of touch rugby. Students were treated to personal tutoring from the Italy A threesome and as Brown commented, it was a hugely beneficial experience.

“I can’t say enough about the players from Italy A. They got stuck in straight away with the students and ensured they each came away having learnt something. Not only that, but they all appeared to be having a great time; players and students alike!”

To see more photos from Tuesday, click here

Churchill Cup finals, Saturday June 18, Sixways.

Bowl final: USA v Russia 1200
Plate final: Tonga v Italy A 1415
Cup final: England Saxons v Canada 1630

For more information, please visit www.churchillcuprugby.net.


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