The boys range in age from 14 to 16, and play rugby during the summer season for either Highland Rugby Club or Stratford Black Swans RFC. The team was formed in the fall of 2009, after a discussion between Highland U15/U16 head coach, Dean Brattan and Stratford Head coach, Jeff Wood. The two head coaches along with their 4 coaching staff (Manager, Juli Brattan, Assistant Coach and Trainer – Steve. St. Clair, Assistant coach – Jose Mills, and Assistant coach – Don Swainson) and a supportive group of parents, are taking the team on the tour as a means of developing their rugby and life skills in heartland of rugby.
Over 100 people attended the send-off banquet, which was a chance for the boys to hear words from Highland RFC club president, Darrin Landoni , Head Coach Dean Brattan and special guests. Perhaps most importantly to the boys, the team received their tour kit at the banquet .
Team captain, Josh Bald, thanked the coaches, parents and everyone involved in making this tour happen! The event was held at Melville United Church, and Highland Rugby Club is grateful the church for allowing the team to use the facility for the send-off banquet. The club would also like to recognize the sponsors, who made significant monetary and product donations which enabled the team to raise funds to help offset the tour fees.
UK Tour Sponsors:

• Canada Dry

• Eramosa Physiotherapy Associates

• Twisted Pit

• Tradition Mutual Insurance

• Powerade

• Vitality Chiropractic Care

• Cameron Stewart

• Air Canada / Aeroplan

• KooGa Rugby

• Soft Signs

• Monilex Sports

• CMC Communications

• Berny Nymeyer RBC Dominion Securities

• North Perth Construction – Don Spence

• Mohr Construction

• Document Imaging Partners

• Dr. Bonnie Keys Chiropractic

• Black Swans RFC

• Expedia cruiseship centers – Laura Swainson

• Big Rare Wines Inc.

• Miller Thompson Legal Services

• H.VanMoorsel Insulation – Mark Walker

• Rona Cashway (Atwood) – Dwayne Gibson