Sarries in Toulon!..

A couple of weekends ago I headed down to the South of France to watch Saracens play a pre-season "friendly" (I use the term friendly loosely after watching the game!) against Toulon. Flying into Toulon airport (square building in the middle of a field!) and a scenic bus route (bargain at 1.40 euros) I arrived at the hotel lunchtime. Hotel, great location,  also housing the squad was sited adjacent to the RCT Stade Mayol ground and a stones throw from the harbour. Met up with friends before heading off to the game.

Game kicked-off at 6.45 and was amazed to see it practically sold out, and as discovered during the evening the French are very passionate about their rugby!... the whole town comes to a grinding halt for the game.

With trys by Andy Saull and Ernst Joubert and Owen Farrell on target Sarries led the 1st half.... the french were never going to take a defeat lying down and the 2nd half was hostile both on and off the pitch!

Things got very feisty in midway through the second half with several scuffles breaking out and yellow cards for both sides... with Toulon driving the pack in the final few minutes and a breakaway try, Toulon were the victors 26-17....

Defeated but not dejected the celebrations back at the hotel were lively with much needed refreshment.... there were some weary boys at breakfast on the Saturday morning...