Masters Rugby League enters the penultimate month of 2021 with a sense of expectancy as the Canadian national Masters team, nicknamed the “Grizzlies” land in England for their first ever overseas tour. Canada will be the second ever Masters international side to tour England following in the footsteps of Australia.
Waiting for them is a two-week Masters experience with two tour games arranged in addition to the international festival with Ireland, Wales and hosts, England. Add to this the usual Masters Rugby League socialising and camaraderie and it is going to be a great tour.
First up for the Grizzlies is a game against the Masters “Dads & Lads” team at the South Leeds Stadium. Leeds on Sunday 14th November. The “Dads & Lads” is made up of father/son combinations all of whom must be Masters players. Oldest combination in the team this year will be blue shorter Brian Rishworth and his son Simon: combined ages 138 years. The day at Hunslet will also see the Masters Women playing in the curtain raiser to the tour event.
As the tourist move across the Pennines to their western base in Chester, they will line up against the experienced Crosfields Masters on Thursday 17th November under the lights at Victoria Park, Warrington.
The two games present an excellent run up to the International Festival at Leigh Easts on Sunday 21st November. The Festival will feature the national Masters sides from Ireland, Wales and England. All four teams are preparing well for the games.
England team Manager, Simon Moat, was full of praise for the England lads “Chatting to the squad following the recent superb training session and social gathering it really struck home how thrilled to a man they are to have the opportunity to pull on their national shirt and do themselves, their clubs and the game of Masters Rugby League proud”.
Canadian Masters coach, Daniel Tate was equally enthusiastic, “Super proud and excited to pull on the Grizzlies shirt on the tour. Looking forward to getting over to the UK!”
