Ben at the Ghent and Hilversum Rugby Festivals My latest European adventure with MSG Tours was both the most challenging and the most rewarding trip I’ve taken so far. Visiting the Ghent and Hilversum rugby tournaments back-to-back for the first time made the experience even more special – these are events that will stay firmly marked in the calendar for years to come. This wasn’t a simple tournament visit. The journey began in Dover and took me across three countries, multiple forms of public transport, and most importantly, plenty of time spent with our fantastic touring teams. I kicked off my tour with Newbridge Vikings RFC in Dover ahead of their tour to Lille. I joined them for the ferry crossing to Calais. After arriving in France, we completed the journey to Lille and checked into the hotel. I spent my evening exploring the city. I created a walking route on Google Maps to make sure I didn’t miss anything – a method I’d use in every city I visit. It turned out to be the perfect way to take everything in and get a real feel for each place. The following day started early. After saying goodbye to the group at breakfast, I squeezed in a few more sights before heading to Lille Flandres station for my train to Ghent. I boarded a direct train and arrived at Gent-Dampoort around midday. I met Blackwood RFC U16 later that day. Surprisingly, their coach pulled up at the same time as I arrived, thanks to an earlier ferry crossing. After helping them check in, I set off on another self-guided walking tour, visiting highlights such as Gravensteen Castle, Saint Michael’s Bridge, and the canals, before finishing the day at a lovely restaurant by the water. Saturday marked the first of the two main events: the Ghent Rugby Festival. I accompanied Blackwood RFC, joining 15 other teams across two age groups. Among them was Glynneath RFC U18, another MSG Tours group staying in nearby Antwerp. The tournament was a great opportunity to connect with clubs, meet the organisers, and see some fantastic rugby. Each team played at least four matches, ensuring a full and enjoyable day for everyone involved. That evening, I made my way to Gent Sint-Pieters station and caught a train to Amsterdam, ready for the second major event. The next morning, I met Senghenydd RFC U16 at their hotel before travelling to Hilversum. As soon as I arrived, it was clear why this is considered Europe’s premier youth rugby tournament. With 69 teams across seven age groups and over 2,500 attendees, the scale and organisation were incredibly impressive. I spent the day speaking with clubs about their touring experiences, capturing content, and watching Senghenydd secure an impressive third-place finish in their age group. It is a must-do tour for any youth rugby side.  My final day gave me the chance to explore Amsterdam at my own pace. I visited landmarks such as the NEMO Science Museum and the Rijksmuseum and even managed a trip to the Johan Cruyff ArenA – where I couldn’t resist picking up a discounted Ajax home shirt. Eventually, I headed to Amsterdam Centraal for my Eurostar back to Derby via London. Despite a two-hour delay that saw me return to Derby at 2 am, the trip was absolutely worth it. Looking back, the tour was a huge success and a valuable experience for my continued professional development. With two teams already booked for next year’s tournaments and plans to grow that number significantly, I’m already looking forward to returning in 2027. Contact me via WhatsApp at 07300233421 to explore a tour to Ghent or Hilversum for your club.

Campbell in NYC I recently had the opportunity to take in New York City on a company inspection visit to gain a first-hand appreciation of its cultural richness.   Understanding our hosting cities allows us to build deep connections with travel partners and experience the geography across our itineraries. It’s safe to say it did not disappoint.  The time on the plane was smooth, and after watching Home Alone 2 to prepare myself, it absolutely flew by. Then, before I knew it, I was in the heart of the Big Apple, with skyscrapers soaring and city lights gleaming. I checked into the Hostel International NYC and grabbed some much-needed sleep, ready for an action-packed following day of sightseeing.  I began the day by hopping on the Subway for my first destination, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, take its beautiful architecture. Then, its impressive collections of modern and contemporary art take things to a whole other level.  The subsequent scenic walk heading towards Midtown was one to write home about. I went through Central Park, seeing well-known cultural spots such as Strawberry Fields and filming locations like the Bethesda Terrace and Gapstow Bridge amongst the greenery. I emerged back into the city on 5th Avenue. This bustling street had plenty of places for photos and shopping, with the Rockefeller Centre, St Patrick’s Cathedral and big brand stores posted throughout.  The subsequent scenic walk heading towards Midtown was one to write home about. I went through Central Park, seeing well-known cultural spots such as Strawberry Fields and filming locations like the Bethesda Terrace and Gapstow Bridge amongst the greenery. I emerged back into the city on 5th Avenue. This bustling street had plenty of places for photos and shopping, with the Rockefeller Centre, St Patrick’s Cathedral and big brand stores posted throughout.  The wander concluded at Grand Central, which boasted incredible murals from floor to ceiling. I finished the day with a trip up to the Empire State observation deck, for one of the greatest sunsets I have ever witnessed and a visit to Macy’s, the largest department store in the west!  On my way to learn more about Manhattan’s modern history at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, I found extraordinary murals and street art stretching up skyscrapers. Within the museum, I discovered more about one of New York’s darkest days, and how the people came together to overcome it as a community.   Continuing my explorations, I headed North towards the Chelsea Market. This foodie paradise, located in a building of Romanesque Revival architecture, was the perfect spot for lunch. The building connects to the High Line, a park on the city’s old rail tracks – a unique location for a stroll that showcases the nature and urban design of NYC.  Reaching the end of the High Line brought me a stone’s throw away from the Circle Line Pier, ready for a sightseeing cruise on the rivers surrounding the city. This was a true highlight of the visit, from seeing a whole new perspective of New York, to an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty!   As the day and my trip ended, what better way to end than to take in the glitz and glamour of Times Square and Broadway? Dinner that evening was enjoyed at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a venue that combined the classic American diner with the showmanship of Broadway. One second my server was topping up my drink, the next they were on-stage singing numbers from the Lion King!  Looking back on my venture to the city that never sleeps, I am still blown away by how much it has to offer. The range of experiences is unmatched, whether that is for art and educational tours or the upcoming World Cup 2026.   Experiencing New York City as part of a touring group has given me invaluable insight into how the city works, from navigating its neighbourhoods and transport systems to understanding how to maximise time and access key attractions. This first-hand experience allows me to confidently support clients, anticipate their needs, and tailor itineraries that are both enriching and seamless.   I am a firm believer that New York City is one of the world’s greatest locations for learning outside of the classroom. I cannot wait to continue to advance my professional development and get out there once again; with the plethora of enrichment opportunities available, no two trips are ever the same. 

Welcome to team MSG, Ella and Ann!Ella - Tour Operator/The Adventurer This trip was the biggest adventure I’ve ever taken—both professionally and personally. It was a journey of firsts: my first long-haul flight, my first solo flight on the return leg, and most importantly, my first time flying with one of our touring groups.   Why Travel? I love travelling and exploring new cultures. By appreciating the little things such as enjoying the sunset, I want to give others the opportunity to view the world from different perspectives.  Dream destination My dream destination is the O Trek in Patagonia for its variety adventure, natural beauty, and the opportunity to disconnect from the everyday. The idea of spending several days in stunning landscapes such as glaciers, mountains, and remote trails is something I find both grounding and inspiring. It’s a chance to challenge myself while experiencing one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world.  Career highlights A highlight for me was working as a Unit Coordinator at a summer camp in the U.S. This involved me running camp and making sure the kids had an amazing time. I loved it because it combined leadership with living outdoors every day, whilst being fun and fast paced!  Ann - Tour Operator/The Goat lady Career highlights A key highlight of my career was leading a group of over 50 elite swimmers on an overseas training camp to Dubai. I successfully managed the fundraising efforts to support both the swimmers and their families in attending the trip. While in Dubai, the athletes also had the opportunity to compete in the Dubai Open.  Why Travel? I was inspired to work in travel after having the incredible opportunity to explore the world as a former international swimmer. Through numerous trips, I not only experienced new countries and cultures but also became very familiar with the bottoms of many different swimming pools! These experiences sparked my passion for travel, and I’m now excited to bring that enthusiasm to MSG, —just like the ones I was fortunate enough to enjoy  Best visited December 2024, I was fortunate enough to take a career break and travel to New Zealand with my best friend, whose dad lives out there. We began our journey in Sydney to break up the long flight, before heading to Christchurch, which became our base. After spending Christmas there, we packed up the car and set off on an incredible 8-week road trip across both the South and North Islands.  We mostly camped along the way, occasionally treating ourselves to an Airbnb when we’d had enough of airbeds! I was lucky to explore a range of amazing places, including Kaikoura, kayaking around Abel Tasman National Park, celebrating New Year’s in Queenstown, cruising through Milford Sound, and hiking up Roy’s Peak.  Dream destination My dream destination is Alaska. I’ve always loved being surrounded by nature and exploring new hikes, and Alaska’s dramatic landscapes really appeal to me. The opportunity to witness wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat is something I’d truly enjoy. I’d also love the chance to finally see the Northern Lights—especially after a couple of unsuccessful attempts in both Iceland and Lapland! 

Ben in Canada This trip was the biggest adventure I’ve ever taken—both professionally and personally. It was a journey of firsts: my first long-haul flight, my first solo flight on the return leg, and most importantly, my first time flying with one of our touring groups.   That distinction brought a new level of responsibility, especially when it came to shepherding 79 enthusiastic Nantymoel RFC boys through Gatwick Airport. But with Tour Operator Ben Cooley by my side, we took it all in stride.  Getting onto the flight went smoothly, especially with the bonus of the lads breaking into song at the airport: a video that hit half a million views inside a week! After landing in Toronto, we guided the group to their coaches and on to their accommodation in the heart of Downtown. At that point, I had to break away to Union Station to catch a 90-minute coach to Niagara Falls for my next duties.  NIAGARA FALLS - TORONTO In Niagara, I met MSG’s very own Canadian, Julia, and stayed one night at the Great Wolf Lodge. An early morning wake-up call allowed me just enough time for a whirlwind tour of the Falls – an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime sight that more than made up for the short visit. Afterward, Julia and I joined two school groups, assisting with their inbound airport check-ins, before returning to Toronto to reconnect with Ben and Nantymoel RFC.  The next four nights were spent soaking in everything Toronto had to offer. I explored the city, took in a Toronto Blue Jays game alongside both Nantymoel RFC and the newly arrived Ystradgynlais RFC. The highlight, though, was Nantymoel’s first fixture against Crusaders Rugby Club. The match was a nail-biter, with the Welsh side edging out a 31–26 win. The post-match celebrations in the clubhouse – full of singing and players being arm in arm – truly embodied the spirit of rugby touring.  Thankfully, my singing initiations didn’t go viral.  OTTAWA & MONTREAL On awakening, I boarded a coach for the journey to Ottawa, rejoining Julia in her hometown. My accommodation for the night was certainly unique – the Saintlo Jail Hostel.  At least I got a cell to myself.   Julia gave me a fascinating city tour before exploring some of the local hotels and sights that house our touring school groups each year.  I wrapped up the tour with a final night in Montreal, where I established a great taste of the city. A personal highlight was jet boating through the Lachine Rapids – a must for anyone visiting the area.  The next day, upon arriving at Gatwick, I reunited with Ben and the Nantymoel squad at baggage claim, helped them onto their transfers home and headed north to MSG offices, officially bringing this incredible tour to a close.  WHAT I LEARNT I learned so much on this trip. First off – Canada is huge! I had no idea the journey to Ottawa would take over five hours.  But more than anything, I realised how special what we do really is. Seeing the faces, hearing the singing, and feeling the pure joy from the Nantymoel lads during that game is something I’ll never forget.  I also grew a lot as a person. Being able to use my CPD budget to build travel confidence was a massive plus, and I’m so grateful to MSG Tours for giving me the chance. 

We continued our Let’s Get Touring: ‘Club Together’ fundraising evenings, this time at Ammanford RFC.   Our Head of Events, Ross Harries adopts the hosting duties and brings together club members, tourists and special guests from the world of rugby to help raise money for the team’s tour.  The main event featured former Wales lock, Lou Reed, who joined Ross on stage to share stories from his playing days with the national team, the Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, and Sale Sharks.  Returning for their second MSG tour after taking Texas by storm in 2023, 68 players and supporters from the senior team will be embarking on an 11-day tour to South Africa in May 2026, starting in Cape Town and including Stellenbosch, and an overnight safari.  Get in touch to help plan your next touring adventure and fundraising evening. 

Our bucket-list IV trip didn’t get off to the easiest of starts with a fire outbreak at a power station near Heathrow putting the whole trip into jeopardy. A cancelled flight, 3 hours on hold to Virgin Atlantic and plenty of itinerary re-arrangements later, we were finally on the road, 24 hours later than originally planned.  A day in the life for us tourism folk!’   Straight off the plane, we picked up our rental car and took the short drive to the iconic Newlands cricket ground (where the Western Province and Durban Dolphins women’s sides were warming up for a top of the table clash in the Pro20 series). With the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain, a stadium tour or live cricket fixture at this incredible venue is an absolute must-do for any sports tour heading to South Africa.  The rest of the morning focused on inspecting some of the great hotels that we use for our groups staying in Cape Town. Josh and I stayed at Never @ Home in Green Point. A stone’s throw away from the DHL Stadium and a short walk away from V&A Waterfront and the City Bowl, the accommodation is in a fantastic location. A perfect stay for large groups on more of a budget, with spacious dormitory and private rooms, a lovely breakfast and even a small swimming pool for recovery or relaxation. If you are looking for a good hotel in Cape Town, then my pick of the inspection would be StayEasy in the City Bowl.   Some of our previous groups have been lucky enough to experience Gold Restaurant in Cape Town, which Josh and I were able to sample thanks to our hosts’ invitation. A sumptuous 14 course African taster menu, with participation African drumming in between courses: what’s not to like! This would be my final night recommendation for Cape Town to sign your tour off in style’  Day 2 started with a 5am wakeup call for our guided hike to the summit of Lion’s Head. We completed the 5.5km incline to around 700m above sea level, in about 50 minutes, which according to our guide was a ‘good time’. The climb is certainly not for the faint-hearted with some tricky terrain and occasional rock scrambles but the views from the top are well worth the hard work. Incredible 360 views of the City Bowl, Sea Point, Camps Bay and back around to Table Mountain!  Later that morning, we headed to Aquila Game Reserve, 2 hours outside of Cape Town, for an incredible game drive experience. An overnight stay here, is an absolute must-do for any group tour heading to Cape Town. Our groups are allocated into the well-appointed hotel-like rooms in the main building, some of which overlook the stunning pool with swim up bar which is accessible throughout the day.   We were lucky enough to see 4 of the big 5, missing out on the leopards who are almost nocturnal. If staying overnight, groups also do a game drive the following morning where you are more likely to see all the big 5. Finally, the buffet food at Aquila is also incredible!  Our final day in and around Cape Town was spent in Stellenbosch, with the first stop taking us to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS). A fantastic sporting facility for our groups to base themselves for a couple of nights and make use of the pristine pitches, indoor training centre and recovery pool.   There are also plenty of top sports clubs and schools in the area for a fixtures. The town-centre is a 10-minute walk away, boasting many restaurants and cafés with outdoor terrace seating. If staying in the centre, then The Stellenbosch Hotel with its old Victorian charm is the place to be. As Stellenbosch is part of South Africa’s wine capital, a vineyard visit with a wine tasting is a must do for our adult groups and I would recommend Vredemheim estate or Spier Wine Farm based on our experience.  The day left us with just enough time to make it back to Camps Bay to see sunset from a beach-side restaurant. Again, a must do on any tour to Cape Town and for us, a perfect way to end a magnificent 72 hours in this thrilling and vibrant capital city. 

We held our inaugural Let’s Get Touring: ‘Club Together’ fundraising evening last night at Aberdare RFC.  Hosted by Ross Harries, Head of Events at MSG Tours, our midweek events bring tourists and club members together to chat all things travel, high jinks and rugby touring.  76 players and supporters from ‘The Snakes’ will be embarking on a 12-day tour to Canada in May 2026, commencing in Montreal and taking in Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls.  In 2025/6 we’re moving dozens of teams around the globe that clearly demonstrates an appetite for spreading the rugby gospel to far flung places.   ‘Club Together’ nights are part-funded by MSG, allowing clubs to sell tickets and reduce travel costs. Wales and British and Irish Lion Man of the Series in 2017, Jon ‘Fox’ Davies joined Ross on stage to recall touring tales from his numerous trips around the planet, including a timely recollection of his Wales debut in Canada 🇨🇦   Get in touch to help plan your next touring adventure and fundraising evening. 

Ben and Sam from our business development team recently traded the office for the winter sun of Lisbon and Porto. The inspection trip offered an opportunity to meet our industry partners in person and experience the depth of both cities.    Experiencing our touring centres in person helps our team develop robust and well-matched itineraries relevant to each age category; a skill easily recognised by our clients who return each season in search of exciting touring programmes. The trip started by gathering intelligence for our Portuguese tournament packages at the Universidade De Lisboa. Boasting six football and two rugby pitches, the facilities are perfect to host many teams across weekend events.   A visit to Sporting Lisbon’s stadium club shop followed tour of the Estadio do Benfica, two enriching locations for any touring group. Next on the itinerary was Benfica’s training facility in Seixal. As expected, it is of the highest quality with multiple grass and artificial pitches. This facility is a MUST for any team wanting to experience professional training sessions. When it comes to rugby tours, Lisbon is an understated destination. Both the Grupo Deportivo Direito and Belem Rugby Park have amazing facilities with gyms, artificial and natural turf, padel courts and on-site restaurants. The generous year-round climate and progressive rugby levels mark Portugal as stand out among other coastal European resorts.  Porto was the perfect cherry on top of the Portuguese cake. Despite a very quick visit to Estádio do Dragão and the FC Porto Museum, the facilities are state of the art and are the perfect destinations for a sporting group. Alongside visiting historical landmarks across the city which pay homage to the deep-rooted history of the city and the formation of the nation.  “The takeaway from this inspection trip to Lisbon is that the facilities from the football & rugby pitches to the accommodation have all been of top quality. Any team, club or school coming here will be very impressed.” “To stay beach front, have a pro coaching session at one of Europe’s top teams and play against local teams; what more would you want from a football tour?” – Sam “This inspection visit gave us a great insight into all our Portuguese tours, especially our tournament packages. They are organised in conjunction with our friends at Move Sports and played at top notch facilities.” – Ben “It was great having Sam and Ben visiting our country! They are two sport enthusiasts who have a great passion for sports. Hopefully seeing firsthand the great potential our country has to offer in sport tours will translate in a fruitful relationship.”  – Pedro, Move Sports

As we approach the end of 2024, here’s a spotlight on the MSG team\'s personal travel highlightsHere are some highlights from the team:Mark - The Barista \"My 2024 travel highlight was with my son to watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center in Orlando. This once in a lifetime opportunity is an incredible example of STEM learning taken outside the classroom.\"Jen - The Performer \"The best place I visited this year was Costa Rica. It was incredible to try new, adventurous things and spot over 80 different species of animal.\"Rob - The Podcaster \"My favourite destination from this year would be Perpignan, visited as part of an MSG Tours team inspection visit. I especially enjoyed the old town there and visiting the football facilities.\"Josh - The Coach \"My travel highlight of the year would be playing on the 2p machines with my son and spending time on the beach with family in North Devon\"Lucy - The Detective \"An important travel moment for me this year was visiting New York. I went with three generations of my family for my birthday which made it all the more special.\"Ben - The Film Critic \"My favourite destination this year was Iceland, visited as an MSG inspection visit. A personal highlight was seeing the Lava Show as I loved geography in school and it was incredible to further this knowledge on tour.\"Jess - The Bookworm \"My favourite travel memory this year was taking my sister to Paris for her 18th Birthday. My highlights were seeing the Eiffel Tower, Moulin Rouge and enjoying the cuisine.\"Lauren - The Explorer \"My best visited country this year was Vietnam, which was part of a trip to celebrate the completion of my degree. A highlight from this was kayaking through caves and around the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.\"Muskan - The Perfectionist \"My trip to Saudi Arabia was such a special and transformative experience. Visiting historical architecture and religious sites brought me closer to my faith and being there with my family made it even more meaningful, and it’s something I’ll always cherish.\"Summer - The Farmer \"My highlight of the year was going to the Amalfi Coast on a boat trip and exploring the town. Another highlight was having dinner looking over the cliff on the Sorrento Coast while watching the sunset.\"Laura - The Mother \"The best trip of my year was visiting Kos, Greece. It was special to me as I visited with my family and we really enjoyed exploring the island and emmersing ourselves in the culture.\"Sam - The Miller \"As a football fan, my travelling highlight this year was visiting Berlin for the Euro Final. It was possibly the only chance I have to watch the England Men\'s football team play in a major sporting final with my dad.\"Elliemae - The Cheerleader \"My favourite place I visited this year was the Peak District. We hiked for hours and I really enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment and seeing the views \"Julia - The Florist \"The most important place I visited this year was Italy. I went to learn about my family history and visit where my Nonna was born and raised.\"

Apprenticeships at MSG Tours As a small business, we believe it is important to give young people the best start possible. A key way to achieve this is through apprenticeships. Primarily, we partner with EMA Training for Marketing and Finance courses. Ben, our current Sales and Marketing Coordinator, completed his Level 3 Content Creator last year and Jess has just recently started her Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with EMA. Here are their apprenticeship stories. Jess “I have been an apprentice with EMA now for over a year based in their Derby Hub, starting my Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in June 2023. During my time with EMA, I completed exams for each module and attended portfolio sessions to help me achieve my best possible grade. Overall, I achieved a Distinction in my Level 3 and I’m so grateful for the help and support I received throughout my course. I’ve been on the Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship for a few months and already love the new learning. The in-person sessions allow for a high level of teaching and the opportunity to socialise with other apprentices on the same course, where we all learn from one another. I think Marketing Apprenticeships with EMA are a brilliant alternative to College/University, it allows you to get your qualification whilst working full-time. Gaining confidence and experience from work and the theory and knowledge behind marketing when attending college.” “Apprenticeships are a great way to start your career, or boost your current knowledge, within a chosen industry. Not only this but you develop much more than the knowledge and skills of a subject, you get practical on the job experience, grow your professional network and earn while you learn! Seeing Jess progress from level 3 and now doing her level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship is testament to her hard work and commitment but also the opportunities that apprenticeships offer with on-going progression.” – Stuart Reddish, Digital Trainer Mentor, EMA Training  Ben “When I finished my A-Levels at school, I was unsure what to do going forward, when someone recommended EMA to me. I didn’t want to go to university, so an apprenticeship was definitely the way for me. I started my Level 3 Junior Content Creator apprenticeship in September 2022 and eventually completed it in April 2024. Since finishing my course, I have stayed on at MSG Tours and have become a Sales and Marketing Coordinator. The Content Creator course that I did was perfect for me as I started with very little knowledge of the industry.  Thanks to the teaching of Stu Reddish and the EMA tutors, I was able to learn everything I needed to and then apply it to my role in everyday life.” Elsewhere in MSG We have expanded our roster of apprentices with Summer and Muskan starting Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeships with EMA, working to achieve an Advanced Diploma in Accounting. In other departments, we recently hired our first Business Administration apprentice as Elliemae commenced her level 3 course with DBC Apprenticeships. We are excited about the future with EMA and DBC and look forward to continuing these partnerships for many years to come. The door is always open for new talent. Join MSG Tours and turn your passion for travel into an exciting career. Send us your CV to be part of a team that inspires unforgettable adventures!