The Dragons tour in Verdun
Last weekend, the rugby club from Verdun, France celebrated their 100th anniversary. The club, founded in 1921, invited the men's team from Düsseldorf to a friendly match and a few beverages to celebrate the occasion. With perfect rugby weather, a committed stadium announcer and a brass band, several games took place over the weekend (youth, men, and women) in front of a full stand.
With an early meeting set at 7.30am, the dragons started their journey from Düsseldorf to Verdun, although with a slight delay, as two of the players still seemed to have their watches set to Buenos Aires. During a short stop in Belgium, the two Teams travelling in vans managed to crown the first boat-race champion of the tour. Team "Guido" were the clear winners.
With Kick-Off set for 3.30pm the Dragons quickly got changed and started preparing for their friendly match against Verdun. Verdun managed to quickly dominate and set the pace for the match. With some very good attacking phases, the Dragons only managed to score two Tries and one conversion. Playing "French" Rugby was a very interesting experience and educational for the Dragons.
After the game, the teams were celebrated with applause (and music) from the stands, before paying each other respects and taking a team photo together.
As per club tradition, the Dragons donned their (white) shirts and ties, enjoyed a beer with Verdun and watched some more rugby.
With one last team meeting before the evening's festivities, the Dragons and Verdun enjoyed a lovely meal together and celebrated until dawn.
After a quick headcount and stock check, the Dragons then walked from their hostel back down to the stadium. That's the sightseeing done, too.
A few of the guys then travelled to the Verdun War Memorial. With a tour of the museum and a visit to the ossuary of Douaumount, they used their time to learn about Verdun's history and pay their respects. A highly recommended visit and a must against forgetting the lives lost there.
Back at the stadium the Dragons enjoyed the last few hours of their stay in the sun and watched some more rugby before heading back to Düsseldorf.
We would like to thank the Verdun Rugby Club and all those who participated in planning and making this a weekend we'll remember for years to come. Thank you for the great food, drinks and outstanding hospitality. We would be happy to welcome you in Düsseldorf one day.
More photos in our photo gallery.
