Yeehaa!  May saw Cardiff’s Rumney RFC squad take in cowboy country across Texas’ finest cities:  Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.

Eager to see every inch of this fascinating State – the biggest in the US – games were scheduled in each city to keep the players focused amongst the temptations that lay in wait around The Lone Star State.

Commencing in the oil lands of Dallas, Rumney got off to a flying start against the city’s Harlequins, enjoying a very social third half with their American friends in and around the University District.  Flying directly in with British Airways allowed the tourists to maximise the time in the city ahead of the road trip to San Antonio, broken up with an extended stop at one of America’s biggest shopping outlets in San Marcos.

Staying on the famed Riverwalk gave Rumney’s players the chance to wander around this tourist-friendly city by day near their lodgings.  A Memorial Day game against San Antonio RFC was remembered more for the generous hosting from the locals than the searing May heat, an event that continued long into the evening with everyone enjoying each other’s company.

Finishing in Austin required a test of strength and stamina after the prior 7-day pilgrimage.  Thankfully the city contains enough energy to fuel any touring team running on empty with its notorious 6^th Street providing a more than adequate social base camp.  A game against Austin Blacks and recovery day tubing on the local river concluded a memorable tour for the Welshmen who head to Canada for their next venture in two years’ time.