Hot dogs on tour [we're breaking new ground]

A Biltema stop in Norrköping

Friday, 12th April

When 28 rugby lads in hotdog outfits set off for Kalmar, you know it’s not your average Friday. The journey to Kalmar was filled with laughter, games, and songs, punctuated by pit stops at (almost) every Biltema store along the way. Early arrivals in Kalmar seized the opportunity to explore the local nightlife, curious to see if the locals would embrace our unique tour attire. Our thirst for beer lead us to the ‘Pipes of Scotland’ pub, a venue as notable for its absence of Scottish beers as it was for its welcoming atmosphere.

Saturday, 13th April

Post a hearty breakfast and some light-hearted complaints about nocturnal snoring, the team embarked on the now-traditional Captain’s Dip at a nearby bathing spot, which was less ‘sizzling summer’ and more ‘hold onto your hotdog buns.’ Despite the chilly water, the sunny disposition of the team shone through as everyone took the plunge. The afternoon brought the much-anticipated pre-season match against Kalmar. Adverse weather conditions shifted the game from grass to astro turf, raising concerns for our most seasoned player’s knees and hips. The match format was adjusted to 4x20 minute quarters, accommodating frequent substitutions, and ensuring ample game time for everyone. The game showcased an impressive display of skill and sportsmanship, with both teams scoring commendable tries. Plebs experimented with various combinations, executing the plays and systems honed since the beginning of the year. Zeb, in his senior debut, earned Man of the Match with an outstanding performance, scoring more tries than there are condiments for a hotdog, while the 7 newbies received the loudest cheers for their first senior match. Post-game celebrations were shared with the Kalmar team, bonding over food and drinks, despite the exhaustion and soreness setting in.

Sunday, 14th April

Breakfast was a quiet affair, with many nursing sore heads, a testament to the previous night’s festivities. Before our departure, we gathered for a BBQ by the water—a setting that would’ve been idyllic in summer, but today, nearly swept us away with the wind. The journey back to Uppsala was subdued, yet there was a collective sense of contentment after a memorable weekend. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to this incredible trip, with a special mention to the new team members who joined us. While there are areas to improve before the season officially begins, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Coach Luca’s words resonate with us: “We encountered issues in the first 20 minutes, which we managed to resolve, and it’s this ability to solve problems that impressed me the most.”

Here’s to a season of growth, collaboration, and the same determined spirit we demonstrated in Kalmar!

/ Stewart