More about Rugby in the Baltics: |
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LATVIA: |
Birthplace of rugby in the Baltics, when the sport was introduced by students returning from Moscow, with the first team, "Remus 1964", being established in... 1964.
Most of Latvia's rugby is concentrated in or around Riga and the Federation is in the process of developing more rugby teams within the country to increase the number of teams from the current level of 8.
Rugby is played to a good standard with the national team playing to Level 5, so pretty much all touring sides from National League 4 to pure social can be accommodated.
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RB Ranking as at Sep-07: 41st - click here to check the latest ranking
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LITHUANIA: |
Similar standard to Latvia and with 9 sides across the country, with the hotspot of Lithuanian rugby based around the northern city of Siauliai, boasting the top three sides in the country. Due to distance, tourists traditionally land and play in Vilnius, the capital, or Kaunas, Lithuania's interwar capital, home to the largest stadium in the Baltics and the Rugby festival.
Uniquely, Lithuania also boasts a thriving women's rugby scene here.
IRB Ranking as at Sep-07: 55th - click here to check the latest ranking |
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ESTONIA: |
There is very little rugby played in Estonia, really just one side in Tallinn, and the governing body is not affililiated to the IRB, so for this reason, we offer tours for social teams only.
No IRB Ranking - no ranking |
When should we tour? |
Due to the local weather conditions and the fact that the winter snow generally disappears at the beginning of April, the ideal time for an end of season tour to the Baltics is May onwards. It is possible to play from the middle of April, however this does limit the venues where you can play, and you need to be aware that the pitch may not be in a particularly lush state.
From May until September, the grass is green, the trees are in bloom and summer is in the air. Perfect touring time!
For those adventurous souls, wanting a tour with a difference, then why not have a Snow Tour in February or March, or even join in our Snow Rugby Tournament. |
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AND LASTLY DON'T FORGET THOSE DESERVING REFS |
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Baltic Adventures is proud to be involved in a pioneering exchange scheme with the Warwickshire and Latvian Referees Societies.
The first exchange has now taken place and saw two up and coming Latvian referees, Raimonds Priekniks and Karlis Sarkans, visiting the UK as guests of the Warwickshire Society of Referees (WSOR). |
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As well as visiting Rugby School and its museum, they also officiated league games between Old Silhillians 1's& Nuneaton Edwardians 1's(Level 7), a fierce local derby for the prized "Bog Seat", a new concept to the Latvians, and explained over a few beers afterwards.
The visit was considered a huge success by both sides, and Warwickshire Refs are now looking forward to a return visit to Riga in August to includeg a Baltic Cup tie, and Ref's Workshop.
Special thanks go to Gerry O'Leary and Alex Henderson of the WSOR for their drive and hospitality.
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One final word....
If you are looking for a lighter view of all things rugby related, and a glimpse at some of the murkier touring rituals and pranks, then have a look at www.BeerandRugby.com , which, surpisingly, features quite a lot about Beer, Rugby and the consequences when the two are combined.
A must for lovers of the Oval balled game and its social side. |
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| ...and if you fancy doing this or something equally exciting this winter, why not try... |
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