From helping in the community, to getting results on the pitch, to bringing the next generation of rugby players, the Leicester Tigers Global Partner Club network continues to grow and reach communities from every walk of life.
See our latest updates of how Tigers’ Global Partner Clubs are getting on this season and what they are up to around the world.
Dendermonde RFC
Dendermonde RFC Women’s team continue to dominate Belgium’s top league as the current champions remain unbeaten this season with their latest victory a 22-5 win away at Antwerp.
The Men’s first team began 2019 with a two-week training block ahead of the team’s first win of 2019 beating Frameries 92-7 in the cup. Despite January’s freezing weather, all three of Tigers Men’s teams got off to a winning start in their respective leagues, but the first team stumbled narrowly losing 12-7 to mid-table ASUB Waterloo. The reigning champions are currently sat third in the league behind La Hulpe and Soignies.
Dendermonde’s junior teams also braved the winter weather thanks to the efforts of the club’s players and coaches to make matches possible. In particular, Dendermonde’s U14’s team, who have had a tough start to the season, came from behind to beat Coq Mason 24-26 in a nail-biter of a game.
On January 12, the club marked the passing of the club’s honorary president and former international rugby star Kris Van Damme. A founder of the now-national annual Flanders Open Rugby tournament 26 years ago, he was also member of the board from the Belgian and Flemish Rugby Union.
All at Dendermonde honoured Van Damme with a minutes silence and tribute whilst Dendermonde’s chairman Peter De Block penned ‘Dear players, let him inspire you, enjoy your rugby game, enjoy the rugby as a school of life and let Kris live on in all your victories and certainly in all your singing voices. Take him to new DRC successes!’
KL Tigers
Early 2019 saw the annual Leicester Tigers international rugby camp in Kuala Lumpur as 180 young players took part in the three-day camp.
Tigers community coaches headed to Malaysia to lead a number of dedicated training sessions covering all aspects of the game.
This year’s event was the biggest to date, and Gary Cane, head of rugby development at KL Tigers RFC, said: “For the academy and our youth teams, it was exactly what we wanted and the camp had really made an impact on our young players. We want to continue to take it up a notch every year and want to break the 200 mark next year.”
“The partnership with Tigers is proof that our connection goes ‘beyond a logo’ and is visible across many different levels.”
Delhi Hurricanes
Our friends in Delhi are enjoying the off-season at this moment in time as the club continues with training and internal matches in various age groups building links with local schools.
School children have been taking part in matches across different age groups giving match practice and helping them to develop their game.
A number of Hurricane’s male and female players were also selected to represent the Delhi State Team to play in the Rugby 7’s All India School in various age groups.
Rugby training is also helping to provide employment opportunities to Delhi’s squad thanks to ties with the well-known fitness chain CULT FIT, who have hired 13 players as fitness trainers including six girls. Local schools have also looked to the club to provide PE teachers and provide specialist rugby training.
Rugby Colorno
With the Six Nations underway, Italian eyes are once again on their national teams as both the Men’s and Women’s teams compete against England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
There are six representatives from Tigers’ latest Global Partner Club Rugby Colorno involved in Italy’s Women’s teams Six Nations campaign who enjoyed an opening day 7-28 win over Scotland before a 3-3 draw with Wales.
On the domestic front, Rugby Colorno are also in good spirits as the Men’s and Women’s teams currently sit first and second in their respective leagues.
You can follow all the latest news from each of our Global Partner Clubs by following their social pages @delhihurricane @Rugby_DRC @KLTigersRFC Rugby Colorno and keep an eye out across the Tigers website for our monthly updates.
