Rugby in the Netherlands?

Not many people would associate the Netherlands with Rugby Union (football is the most popular sport over there) but in the last two years I've been over to Amsterdam twice to watch some rugby.

Other than travel, rugby and skiing are my main passions in life. Over the years I've organised many a rugby tour to more traditional overseas rugby playing destinations like France and Italy and some closer to home in the West Country and Wales!

In 2016 my local rugby club, Hertford RFC, received an invitation from the Dutch Rugby Federation to send a youth team to Amsterdam for a warm up match to help their National U18s prepare for the European U18 championships but with only a few weeks’ notice.

I like a challenge so set about organising the trip with the help of our good friends at Gullivers Sports Travel, one of Travel Counsellors preferred suppliers. In the space of two weeks we had everything in place for the trip for a touring party of 35-40 with two rugby matches set up and an entertainment programme laid on by our hosts. Group travel can be tricky, but I love seeing a plan fall into place.

Some sightseeing, two matches, post-match meals and rugby camaraderie were a perfect way to spend a short weekend in the Dutch capital. We stayed about 20 minutes from the city centre, but Amsterdam has a superb transport network with trains, trams and buses all available on the Amsterdam Travel Ticket which is brilliant value, so getting around was easy.

It's a beautiful city with so much to see and do. With canal trips, fantastic museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frank’s House, the Flower Market, the Heineken Experience, the vibrant Rembrandtplein and Dam Square there is something for everyone. A few other distractions too but probably best not mentioned here!

In June 2017 I was back with the family - this time to watch my younger son play for the England Counties Rugby U20s against the Netherlands, who once again were fantastic hosts. A proud parent moment too!

Another weekend of brilliant sightseeing not just in Amsterdam but beyond to explore places like the lovely seaside town of Volendam. The Amsterdam Regional ticket, valid on local and regional trains, buses and trams proved a godsend. Café culture and great restaurants make the city a great place for food and drink too.

Both trips reminded me that Amsterdam is a fantastic city to spend a weekend but also that we can always be surprised by destinations we think we know well. Who'd have thought Amsterdam and rugby would be such a good combination?