CLEVEDON Under-15s will be heading off on tour to Northern France on May 4 to take part in the International Festival of Rugby, or as they poetically named it – the Tour de France.

The squad of 20 lads will be competing in the largest junior rugby festival in France, and will take on teams from across Europe, the UK and Ireland.

The Seasiders have blazed a trail this season, playing fast and open rugby, and are looking forward to pitting their skills against European opposition.

Team manager Dave Lye and coaches Andy Lyon, Pete Williams and Nick Hill, head the 37-strong tour party, who will look forward to two days of cosmopolitan culture at Arras RFC.

Lye said: "We wanted to make this tour a bit special for the lads. We've toured before to places in England, but felt it was our last opportunity to have a really big tour with this group.

"The boy's will move up into the Under-16s next season, and we felt that, with exams and all the extra pressure they bring, that a few of the boys might miss out next season.

"We've had great support from local businesses and managed to secure some sponsorship from Bristol Engineering firm, Avon Barriers. But the lads have put their shoulders to the wheel as well. We've been selling products on market stalls, hosting quiz nights and car boot sales, and, thanks to Cadbury Garden Centre and Asda in Weston, we've raised money by doing some customer bag packing.

"But we've still looking for fund raising ideas, so any suggestions would be gratefully received."