‘THE BIG ONE’ BALFRONRUGBY SCHOOL TOUR TO U18 NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND LIDO 23RDDI JESOLO - 25TH MARCH RUGBY 2018 TOUR 6TH-9TH OCTOBER 2017 NEWCASTLE FALCONS Vs NORTHAMPTON SAINTS ST JAMES PARK
RUGBYRUGBY TOURTOUR INFORMATIONINFORMATION PACKPACK WWW.SKYHIGHSPORTS.CO.UK WWW.SKYHIGHSPORTS.CO.UK
DATE OF QUOTATION: 20TH APRIL 2017 DATE OF QUOTATION: 29TH NOVEMBER 2018
The majestic Newcastle Quayside
INTRODUCING: SKY HIGH SPORTS
Sky High Sports is a Rugby Specialist Tour Operator which excels at combining Rugby and Travel to provide once in a lifetime experiences for good Rugby people across the world.
Our commitment to offering innovative, exciting and bespoke tours along with our client focused, personal and dedicated approach has allowed us to build a global portfolio of clients and earn a reputation of excellence in our field.
Our team is made up of passionate rugby playing people & travel experts who take pride in introducing you to the vast rugby cultures of Europe through the great tradition of touring.
Every one of our Rugby Tour itineraries has been developed from our own experiences, alongside some superb rugby people which gives every trip a personal approach that we take a lot of pleasure in sharing with you.
Sky High Sports are the Rugby Tour Specialists.
SKY HIGH SPORTS 2 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS Stowe School Vs St Pauls School at the Tynedale RFC School Rugby Festival CONTENTS
Meet our Rugby Tour Specialists 4 Your Tour Quotation 5 Optional Extras & Upgrades 5 Your Tour Itinerary 6 Accommodation Information 7 Introducing Newcastle 8 The Booking Process 9 Testimonials from 2017 Tourists 10 The Sky Hugh Sports Role of Honour 12 Our Guide to Booking Flights 13 Tour Stash with RGR Sport 15 Rugby Tour Group Travel Insurance 15 Sky High Sports Terms & Conditions 16
MEET OUR SPECIALISTS
Our team at Sky High Sports is made up of Rugby Tour Specialists whose knowledge spans rugby touring across all corners of Europe. Each of our team here are actively involved in their Rugby Clubs as players, coaches & administrators & have toured extensively across the Rugby World. We would be delighted to share some of their extensive knowledge, research and love of both your tour destination and the rugby culture you are about to embrace. We are the Rugby Tour Specialists.
Clockwise from Top Left: Richie Gledson, Sky High Sports Director; Jamie Dixon, Head of Youth Tours; Harry Snowdon, Mini Rugby Expert; Caity Mattinson, Administration; David Cook, Marketing.
TOUR QUOTATION
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50+
PRICE PER PERSON £219 £209 £199 £189 £179 £169
QUOTATION VALID UNTIL: 1ST JANUARY 2018
THE TOUR INCLUSIONS ACCOMMODATION & BOARD Two Nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation at a 3* Hotel in Newcas- tle City Centre. Group Accommodated in Twin-Bed Rooms Meals as stated in the itinerary.
TRANSPORTATION Three Days hire of an executive coach. Coach will be available for all Q&A with Newcastle Falcons players scheduled transfers throughout the itinerary. Coach equipped with Chris Harris and Sean Robinson WC, DVD & Seatbelts.
THE RUGBY EXPERIENCE Two Rugby Matches against North-East Opposition. Inclusive of Post Match Reception & Hospitality Tickets to the AVIVA Premiership match between Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints at St James Park Stadium
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS n/a
Touch Rugby on Tynemouth Beach INCLUDED AS STANDARD 24-Hour Emergency Contact at our UK office. Financial Security and Payment Protection. Bespoke Itinerary Planning Service. Assistance with Federation & Union Tour Paperwork OPTIONAL EXTRAS ACCOMMODATION & BOARD Evening Dinner at Coop Chicken - a Posh Geordie Nandos. From £12.50pp Evening Dinner at Panis Italian. From £12.50pp Kings College Taunton at the Tyne Mammoth Feast at Longhorns BBQ Restaurant. From £20.00pp Bridge Rugby Club Dinner from £5.00 per meal
RUGBY EXPERIENCE Guest Coaching Clinic with Newcastle Falcons. Price on application Extra Fixtures or training sessions available upon request.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS Bubble Football, Kick Golf, Dodgeball, Ten-Pin Bowling. From £12.50pp Go-Karting, Quad Biking, Paintball, Go Ape. Prices from £25.00pp
NUTS & BOLTS Tynedale RFC Vs The Woodlands RFC Tour Stash from our Official Kit Partners at RGR Sport (USA) during their tour to GB Rugby Specific Travel Insurance from Endsleigh Insurance SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 5
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
#
1 3 2
DATE
Saturday
6th 6th May
4th May 4th
5th May 5th
Sunday
Friday
2018 2018 2018
Post Reception Match & Hospitality Post Reception Match & Hospitality
Transfer to a local RugbyClub Transfer local a to Club Rugby
TOURTWO MATCHDAY
Check
TOURONE MATCH
Arrival Arrival & Warm Arrival & Warm
MORNING
-
Outof the Hotel
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- -
Up Up
Transfer to James St Park Stadium
Transfer Executive by Coach
NEWCASTLE FALCONS Vs
to the to Hotel in Newcastle
NORTHAMPTONSAINTS
Prepare for Departure
Squad assemble to at
Transfer home at the
AFTERNOON
AVIVA Premiership
The Club Rugby
end ofTour the
~ ~ ~ ~
Tome to settlerelax,
Arrival Arrival & Check
Evening at leisure
EVENING
local local area
~ ~
-
In at the In Hotel
-
in & explore the
Motel One, Motel One,
Newcastle Newcastle
DIGS
~
Post Lunch Match PostRugby Lunch
Cooked Breakfast Cooked Breakfast
MEALS
~ ~ ~
SKY HIGH SPORTS 6 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
INTRODUCING: MOTEL ONE
15-25 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1EW | Tel: 0191 211 1090 | Hotel Website
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Motel One Newcastle boasts modern features, and is centrally located just a 2-minute walk to the historic city centre. New- castle’s Central Station is just a 6-minute walk from the hotel. Each room has a private bathroom with a rain shower, an Aliseo hairdryer, a flat- screen TV, air cooling and a kettle with tea/coffee making facilities. Guests will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. A Continental breakfast buffet with fresh breads, pastries, fruits, cereals and sliced cold meats is offered for GBP 9.50. Guests can also enjoy the on-site bar. 4.5 Bigg Market, Theatre Royal, and Grey’s Monument are a 2-minute walk away. St James' Park is approximately a 10-minute walk away. River Tyne can be reached in a 10-minute walk, and the harbour at North Shields a 30-minute drive. 514 reviews ~ #6 of 83 Hotels in Newcastle
YOUR ROOMS
TWIN BED ROOMS WITH EN-SUITE FACILITIES
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 7
INTRODUCING: NEWCASTLE
We thoroughly believe that on the eighth day, the Good Lord put an axis into the ground in Newcastle City Centre and declared that the World shall re- volve around this magnificent place for eternity. We may be slightly biased about our fantastic home city, but show me a person who leaves here disap- pointed and we'll admit defeat.
Newcastle possesses a vibrant atmosphere like no other. Whether it be by day on the bustling hives of Northumberland Street and Grey Street, or at night on the World Class Quayside or eyebrow raising Bigg Market. Hadrians Wall is a short drive from There is however it must be said, a lot more to Newcastle that overweight Newcastle Football Supporters, Cheryl Cole and Geordie Shore! The people of Newcas- tle are exceptionally friendly, welcoming and hospitable. The Rugby Clubs up here are of a tight-knit nature and welcome anyone daring to make the jour- ney to this ‘quieter’ part of the UK! Situated on the River Tyne's north bank, the city boasts a 2,000-year-old his- tory and is filled with the most classical listed buildings in the UK. Although the city really only reached prominence in the Industrial Revolu- tion, it has long been a capital and defensive point of the north of England for the Romans and Saxons respectively.
The city's origins as a Roman town are still evident in Hadrian's Wall, whose A Newcastle Falcons match at ruins can be seen stretching eastwards to Wallsend. Along the route of the Kingston Park is a great night out! famous Wall, you will find the stunning Northumbrian countryside. Brilliantly overlooked by visitors heading to the Lake District, Scottish Highlands and the Yorkshire Dales, the area boasts rural beauty rarely matched in the UK.
Tynedale RFC sits deep in the Tyne Valley, and was described by BBC Rugby Pundit John Inverdale as the most scenic sporting venue in England.
Being based near the city, our knowledge and experience in arranging tours up here goes directly into the plans for your tour. We excel at giving you those little pieces of information and assistance that you wouldn't otherwise find. Surfing at Tynemouth Beach is our #1 activity recommendation in Newcastle
SKY HIGH SPORTS 8 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
THE BOOKING PROCESS
We aim to ensure that working with Sky High Sports is a relaxed and sim- ple process. By enlisting the services of SHS, you have already unloaded a lot of the hard work, so here is what you can expect once you have agreed to tour with us:
1) Once the tour is agreed & you’re happy to proceed, we’ll send you a detailed booking form, invoice & payment schedule. The booking California State University Long Beach form will outline exactly what is included in the tour package. The at the Coliseum in Rome invoice & payment schedule will show you the amounts we require, the date we require it by and the methods of payment available. 2) By signing the booking form, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, which in turn, forms a contract between you as the client and Sky High Sports. Our Terms & Conditions are in the back of this pack & will be sent along with your invoice. 3) Return the signed booking form to us along with the deposit pay- ment.
Britannia Lions (CAN) training with 4) The deposit amount will range from £25-£50 per person depending Marco Bortolami in Parma, Italy on the size of the tour. Typically, all Mini & Youth Tours in the UK and Europe will incur a £25 per person deposit. This will rise should the value of the tour exceed £300 per person, or be booked within 2 months of departure. 5) The tour is now booked & we will get to work. 6) At this stage, we will send you a passenger information document to complete. This asks for information on names, date of birth, medical conditions, dietary requirements and so forth. This is a vital part of the process & enables us to know exactly what we need to ensure Ponteland RFC Colts - White Water we deliver the perfect tour for your group. The sooner we receive Rafting in the Netherlands this, the better, however, we know how Rugby Teams work! As long as we have this between 6-8 weeks in advance, this will be suffi- cient. 7) We’ll also send you a short questionnaire to complete which covers all the information we need to ensure the Rugby Fixtures are appro- priate & the schedule we set up is exactly what you want. 8) To help spread the cost of the tour, the final balance can then be split over two equal payments. The first will be due 42 days follow- ing the deposit, with the final payment due no later than 42 days Banbury RFC following their tour prior to the tour. match at Cardiff Arms Park Stadium
Between the time of booking and departure day, your dedicated tour manager at Sky High Sports will maintain a regular contact to ensure we have the correct information from you, and that you are aware of the de- velopment of the tour. Where appropriate, face-to-face meetings will be preferable to achieve this. Then, four weeks ahead of the tour, a full and confirmed itinerary in- cluding the key contacts, an hour-by-hour schedule and a detailed guide Rugby Club San Martin (ARG) at the will be sent to you. At this stage however, subtle changes may be made to Sacre Couer in Paris the itinerary.
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 9
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR 2017 TOURS
This was my first time arranging a tour for a Under 13 team. Richie and the team were excellent in terms of advice and guidance. At no point were they pushy about using their firm, they had a relaxed attitude and tried their utmost to accommodate our needs, we left the booking late due to fixtures. Sky High Sports sorted everything for us at last minute, arranging games with some established clubs in Lancashire and Cumbria. I will be booking next years’ tour and I guarantee that Richie and the team Winnington Park RFC U13 will be my first port of call after the excellent service I received this year. Neil Cameron | Winnington Park RFC | Lake District Tour 2017
Sky High Sports and Richie Gledson were superb from the start, we were touring Spain outside of the RFU season and had been informed that we would not be given permission to tour, Richie was able to provide confir- mation from both our County and the Spanish Federation that we would be able to tour at the time of year that we proposed to go. The actual tour itself ran like clockwork, Sky High sent us a very detailed Redcar RUFC Toured to Cartagena & Torrevieja in South-East Spain itinerary and everything ran exactly as planned. It seemed as though noth- ing had been left to chance. Our club chairman came with us and his text to me when we got back summed it up: “I have been on many tours but none which have ran as smoothly and to the original itinerary!!!” Well done and thanks not only me from but also from RRUFC for giving all of the young children an experience they will never ever forget" Martin Skidmore | Redcar RUFC | Spain Tour 2017 Club Rugby Cartagena Vs Redcar RUFC Newcastle West RFC U15 had a wonderful trip to Chester. They trained with Sale Sharks, who were good to us all weekend, played two matches against local teams and visited the Chill Factor-E. To top all this we also got to attend a Sale Sharks game. We would like to thank Sky High Sports for their help, professionalism from the very begin- ning of the planning stage right up to the conclusion of the tour. They made everything so much easier and more enjoyable for all who trav- elled. A special thanks to Jamie for all his hard work throughout the whole Newcastle West RFC from Munster process. visited Chester in 2017 Darren Normoyle | Newcastle West RFC (EIRE) | Chester Tour 2017
On behalf of Gateshead RFC I would like to thank you for the time and effort you took planning our U16's tour. The tour was excellent and well planned. The coach driver Roger was spot on, he was very obliging and helpful. We would be happy to talk to any other clubs and teams if it would assist in promoting your tours. Gateshead RFC on Tour in Holland We hope to tour again with your company, once again thank you. Neil Walker | Gateshead RFC | Den Haag Tour 2017
SKY HIGH SPORTS 10 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR 2017 TOURS
Richie was absolutely brilliant in finding us a tour to suit our needs, we knew exactly what we wanted he adapted to our ever changing require- ments. Sky High Sports gave us the perfect U16 tour. Amsterdam was a great location and 67 of us travelling together by coach and overnight fer- ry worked well. The Dutch rugby clubs were very hospitable. It was nice that Jamie came along to check on things, and he was right about the cheese and clog factory, well worth a visit! The parents enjoyed The party from Colchester RFC posing it as much as the boys and would strongly recommend Sky High Sports for a photo at RC The Dukes in Holland and Amsterdam for touring. Kim Waters | Colchester RFC | Amsterdam Tour 2017
BRUFC Youth section took to Den Haag in April for the first full youth tour in many years from Braintree. We were 96 in total and for such a large group, were accommodated well in Holland. Both clubs we played were hospitable and accommodating for such a large group and provided a vari- ety of competition levels for our teams. The accommodation was central The Wymondham RFC Dads showing off their tour stash and easy to manage the boys in with a short walk into the centre. The din- ing experiences were excellent quality and for a hungry group, in ade- quate quantity for hungry growing boys. Our activities were varied and engaged the boys fully. The whole weekend was deemed a success and we are very much looking forward to next season and our next adventure with Sky High Sports. Andrea Prout | Braintree RUFC | Den Haag Tour 2017
Jamie, our man at Sky High Sports, could not have been more helpful. The mammoth touring group from Braintree RUFC Standards of games we played were perfect. From pick up to drop off eve- rything Sky High Sports organised ran smoothly. We had a great time. Chris Hinds | Finchley RFC | Antwerp Tour 2017
Our 4th Tour with Sky High Sports, and yet again another superb Rugby weekend. Our group were extremely well looked after by our hosts Rhiw- bina RFC & Llandaff RFC. The true ethos of grass roots ruby was shown by both teams, and it made our tour an absolute success. Banbury RFC Vs Llandaff RFC at the iconic Cardiff Arms Park Stadium We cannot compliment them enough for the great rugby and awesome hospitality. Great experience for the lads to play at the Cardiff Arms Park, White water Rafting was also thoroughly enjoyed by all. Big thank you to Jamie and the rest of the team, for making it all possible. Mike Moller | Banbury RFC | Cardiff Tour 2017
Richie and the team sure know how to organise a rugby tour. Nothing was too much bother for the guys. The trip was a huge success and all of our touring party commented on how successful it had been. Thanks guys. Banbury RFC at the Cardiff Internation- al White Water Centre. Paul Morgan | Morpeth RFC | York Tour 2017
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 11
THE SKY HIGH SPORTS ROLE OF HONOUR
Abbey Gate College, Chester Fullerians RFC, Hertfordshire RC Diablos, Belgium Abbey Park High School, Canada Gateshead RFC, Co. Durham RCO Harlequins, Netherlands Acklam RUFC, Co Durham GHK RFC, Glasgow Redcar RUFC, Yorkshire Aldermaston RFC, Berkshire Goggled Cymru RFC, North Wales Richmondshire RFC, Yorkshire Alnwick RFC, Northumberland Guildford RFC, Surrey Roundhegians RFC, Yorkshire Alton RFC, Hampshire Gwernyfed RFC, Powys Rugby Club San Martin, Argentina Altrincham Kersal RUFC, Cheshire Hamilton Hornets, Canada Rugby Rovato, Italy Ampthill & District RFC, Bedfordshire Harvard University RFC, USA Salisbury RFC, Wiltshire Ashby RFC, Leicestershire Hesby Rugby Huy, Belgium Sarnia FC, Canada Ashville College, Yorkshire Hitchin RFC, Hertforshire Sarnia Saints RFC, Canada AS Rugby Lecco, Italy Holy Cross Catholic School, Canada Sheffield University Medics RFC Ayr RFC, Ayrshire Hoylake RFC, Cheshire Shelford RFC, Cambridgeshire Banbury RFC, Oxfordshire Hullensians RFC, Yorkshire Shippensburg University, USA Bangor Grammar School, Ulster Instonians RFC, Ulster Shotton Steel RFC, Flintshire Barrhaven Scottish RFC, Canada Jed-Forest RFC, Roxburghshire Sleaford RFC, Lincolnshire Battersea Ironsides, London Kendal RUFC, Cumbria Spakenburg Rugby, Holland Bede Academy, Northumberland King’s College Taunton, Somerset South Leicester RFC, Leicestershire Billericay RFC, Essex Kirkby Lonsdale RFC, Cumbria St Clair School Rugby, Canada Billingham RFC, Co Durham Knutsford RFC, Cheshire St Ives RFC, Cambridgeshire Blyth Spartans FC, Northumberland Lamorinda Rugby, USA St John University, USA Bognor Regis CC, East Sussex Latymer Upper School, London Stirling County RFC, Stirlingshire Bowdon RFC, Cheshire Lisburn RFC, Ulster Stockton RFC, Co Durham Bolton-by-Bowland CC, Lancashire Liverpool St Helens RFC, Lancashire Stowe School, Buckinghamshire Braintree RUFC, Essex Livingston RFC, West Lothian Stewarts Melville RFC, Edinburgh Brantford Harlequins RFC, Canada Long Beach State University, USA Strathendrick RFC, Stirlingshire Brentwood RFC, Essex Macclesfield RFC, Cheshire Sunderland RFC, Co Durham Brighton RFC, East Sussex Maldon RFC, Essex Sutton Coldfield RFC, West Midlands Britannia Lions Rugby, Canada Malton & Norton RFC, Yorkshire Sutton & Epsom RFC, Surrey Bromsgrove RFC, Worcestershire Martigues Port de Bouc, France t’Gooi Rugby, Netherlands Bruce County RFC, Canada MC Lions, India Tamworth RFC, Staffordshire Caerphilly RFC, Glamorgan Melrose RFC, Scottish Borders Teddington RFC, Surrey Cal Poly Mustangs Rugby, USA Mill Hill School, Greater London Terenure College RFC, Eire Cambridge University RUFC Mold RFC, North Wales The Berkhamsted School, Herts Chelmsford RFC, Essex Morpeth RFC, Northumberland Tonga Rugby Football Union Chester-Le-Street RFC, Co Durham Nelson Rugby, Canada Tring RFC, Hertfordshire Chew Valley RFC, Gloucestershire Newcastle School for Boys Tynedale RFC, Northumberland Clarence Fulton High School, Canada Newcastle West RFC, Eire The Woodlands RFC, USA Colchester RFC, Essex Northern FC, Northumberland Upminster RFC, Greater London Consett RFC, Co Durham Northumbria University RFC University of Dundee RFC, Angus Creighton RFC, Cumbria Oakville Crusaders Rugby, Canada University of Glasgow Cumnock RFC, Ayrshire Old Colfeians RFC, Greater London Vernon Rugby, Canada Darlington RFC, Co Durham Old Elthamians RFC, Kent Watsonian FC, Lothian Dartfordians RFC, Kent Old Emanuel RFC, Kent Weavering Warriors RFC, Kent DHSOB RFC, Devon Old Northamptonians RFC Westcliff RFC, Essex Diss RFC, Norfolk Old Richians, Gloucestershire Westcombe Park RFC, Essex Doncaster RFC, Yorkshire Old Rutlishians RFC, Surrey West Hartlepool RFC, Co Durham Drexel University RFC, USA Old Williamsonians RFC, Kent Western-Super-Mare RFC, Somerset Duchess High School, Alnwick Orrell RFC, Lancashire Weybridge Van dals RFC, Surrey Edenbridge RFC, Kent Pangbourne College, Berkshire Wimbledon CC, Surrey Ely RFC, Cambridgeshire Percy Park RFC, Northumberland Winchester RFC, Hampshire England Counties XV Ponteland RFC, Northumberland Winnington Park RFC, Cheshire Esher RFC, Surrey Portadown RFC, Co Armagh Wirral RFC, Cheshire Eton Manor RFC, Essex Port Sunlight RFC, Cheshire Workington Zebras RFC, Cumbria Farnborough RFC, Hampshire Pulborough RFC, West Sussex Wymondham RFC, Norfolk Finchley RFC, Middlesex Queen’s University, Canada Yarm RFC, North Yorkshire
SKY HIGH SPORTS 12 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOKING FLIGHTS
Booking Flights for your team is often the make or break useful as you can keep an eye on the flight prices for of choosing that destination as the location for your your group. When you book, you will need all names & tour. payment in full at the time of booking. You can add As a result, we have a created a ‘How-To’ guide to en- items like baggage and insurance later, but it is still a big sure that you are fully prepped and up to speed on how up front cost. Should your group rise above 50 people, to approach booking flights for your tour. you do not need to declare your tourist names until a later date – however, payment is still required in full up WHEN ARE FLIGHTS AVAILABLE? front. Flight prices are released a maximum of 11 months in Airlines like Jet2.com, Aer Lingus, Monarch are almost a advance of departure. Anyone stating otherwise is tak- hybrid of the three. All offer the option to pay a deposit, ing a gamble on the prices. The airlines selling tickets 11 with names and the balance payment not needed until a months in advance will often be the Major Carriers such specified time prior to departure. as British Airways, Air France, KLM & Virgin. For domestic flights within Europe, we’d always recom- The budget airlines, like Easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair are mend Easyjet. Their prices are often outstanding & the slightly slower in releasing their prices, sometimes wait- ability to monitor group prices (up to 40 passengers) ing until 7-8 months ahead of departure – this is often ahead of booking is a facility not available elsewhere. the case with people looking to book a Spring Tour dur- For Long-Haul flights, we partner with Aviate Manage- ing the late Summer. ment Groups who are able to provide exceptional rates & options on flights into Europe. They are secured with a HOW ARE GROUP FLIGHTS BOOKED? deposit of between 10%-25% of the total airfare. The The way you can book a group ticket varies. Major Carri- Names & the balance payments are due way down the ers are very easy to work with. Pick your dates, choose line as well which gives you great flexibility. Also, up un- how many seats you want and pay a nominal deposit of til a certain date before departure, 10% of the seats can around £25 per person. The balance and names are then be cancelled free of charge should your group fall in due 4-6 weeks before departure – a fantastic method numbers. when you’re juggling new players, players leaving, inju- Long haul flights & flights with major carriers will incur ries and so on. They’re often more expensive & subject taxes. Taxes on flights can comprise airport tax, depar- to slight tax changes, but the ease of use is a great coun- ture tax and government taxes as well as fuel surcharg- ter weight. Read on for more info on taxes. es. Our prices will always include taxes but these can Budget airlines are all different. fluctuate dependent on a number of factors including It is no surprise that Ryanair are the most-tricky compa- rates of exchange and the cost of oil. The final cost of ny to deal with. You can submit a group request through taxes and surcharges will only be guaranteed once full their website. Their team will then send you an offer payment has been received and tickets issued. which you have 48 hours to accept. You will need to pay When names are required after booking, they are always in full and declare all names there and then. You will required by a specific date. We will let you know that then be charged for name changes & not receive a re- date well in advance, so that tickets can be issued. Un- fund if someone drops out. The benefit is often a low fortunately, unless we have the names of all passengers cost, but the negative is headaches and surcharges. travelling the airline will not issue tickets. Please re- With Easyjet, you can book up to 40 people at once with- member that all names should exactly match Passport out having to go through their Group Team. This is so details. No exceptions apply and boarding will be denied
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 13
THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOKING FLIGHTS
THE TRUTH ABOUT BOOKING FLIGHTS at check-in if tickets and passports do not match. search for you. We can source the best times, prices and destinations to enhance your tour. We will always be HOW MUCH DO GROUP FLIGHTS COST? there to offer advice and guidance to ensure you are cor- The price of a group ticket is often vastly different to rectly booked & financially safe. that of a single ticket. So often, we have tricky conversa- If you are booking your flights with a budget airline such tions with clients who have checked Easyjet for the price as Ryanair or Easyjet, we would always recommend that of 1 person & when they receive a higher-priced group you do this directly with the airline. This is the cheapest quote from us, it doesn’t sit well without explanation. way to do it – we cannot get cheaper flights with these Let’s say there are 10 rows in a Plane. Row 1 is priced at guys, so why should we put another cost barrier in your £1 and Row 10 and £10. When selling their seats, the air- way? lines theoretically fill up from the front. This is one rea- If your tour requires a flight with one of the big-boys like son which is why tickets are cheaper when bought in British Airways or Virgin, then we’ll task our partners at advance. In this instance, your group takes up the first AVIATE Management with sourcing the best options for four rows, meaning there are only six rows left. It is you. When you book with Aviate, this can be done in ad- therefore likely that your group will be charged some- dition to your tour package with Sky High Sports, or di- where between the £1 and £4. The exact price will de- rectly with Aviate themselves. When booking with Avi- pend on the demand of the remaining six rows. ate, you will be issued an ATOL Certificate protecting Economies of scale work everywhere else in Travel, but your Flight Booking and keeping you safe. not flights. Lastly, for all tours involving a flight, we insist that you take out a third-party insurance policy to cover your trip. HOW SHOULD WE APPROACH BOOKING FLIGHTS? Our partners at Endsleigh Insurance, see our website, Without sounding like a Scout-Leader, the best way to can offer superb Group Insurance Policies that cover approach any flight tour is to Be Prepared. If your teams your travel & injury on the field as well. ambition is to fly to Italy, the South of France or Spain, then this decision really should be made at the end of WHAT ABOUT OUR BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE? the season previous to the tour. Passenger baggage is always included in our quotation. Then, during the Summer, you can kick your fundraising If required, we can also include 40KG of extra luggage into gear & be in a position to book and pay for the (in two separate bags of 20kg each) for necessary team flights as soon as they are available, or once your season kit and equipment. For groups of more than 80 people, is back in full swing. 80kg (in four separate bags of 20kg each) can be provid- Until that point, we’d then say keep your options open. ed. We have excellent Rugby Tour options across Europe, so it may be that flights to your #1 location blows your budget, but a location a little further north or along the This guide is exactly that. It has been put together from coast is bang-on, we can look at that. our experience in dealing with flights. We also aim to This is the same for a date. While it is important to take out the jargon and complicated regulations from choose a tour-date early on, it often benefits to have a the process. back-up weekend for flexibility.
CAN SKY HIGH SPORTS PROVIDE FLIGHTS? Throughout the process, we can do all the work and re- SKY HIGH SPORTS 14 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
TOUR STASH WITH RGR SPORT
Now you have booked your tour with Sky High Sports. Why not let us ar- range the next most important part of the tour - The Stash.
Sky High Sports is delighted to work with RGR Sport, an exciting and new rugby-specialist apparel brand based in the UK.
RGR Sport offer a quality product at exceptionally low prices & as all the kit is UK-made, they can deliver the gear within weeks. It is these three fea- tures in particular which make them an ideal provider of bespoke tour kit.
The off-field gear such as Hoodies, Tracksuits & Tee Shirts is great, but their ability to create any design of sublimated playing shirts is a huge attraction.
If you wish to see a full brochure of the off & on field apparel, just ask your Tour Manager. We’ll then introduce you to the RGR Team who will be able to take it from there.
GROUP TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH ENDSLEIGH INSURANCE
Sky High Sports is an affiliate of Endsleigh Insurance. As proval and permission to tour, you will need to submit such, we are able to provide Group Travel Insurance Poli- your policy documents to your Union along with the ap- cies in addition to your Rugby Tour. plication to tour.
We can include a Group Travel Insurance policy for all Other options are available, but our affiliation with Mini & Youth Rugby Tours within the UK & Europe. This Endsleigh offers comprehensive packages, a simple sign- policy will cover all players, coaches and accompanying up process & good value for money. parents for your tour. The policy covers Cancellation & Curtailment, Medical For Adult Tours & Tours travelling away from Europe, we Expenses, Personal Accident Cover, Baggage, Group are able to include a Group Policy in addition to the tour Monies & Passport and a Personal Liability. package. The Endsleigh Policy you’ll receive will cover all of the If you are taking an Age-Grade Rugby Team on a Tour activities we will plan for you, even on the most adven- away from your home Union, as part of obtaining ap- turous of Sky High Sports Tours.
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 15
SKY HIGH SPORTS TERMS & CONDITIONS
Here at Sky High Sports Limited (SHS), we aim to make all your group Insurance travel arrangements as simple and hassle-free as possible. We don’t For your own protection, SHS recommends that all passengers ob- like confusing you with small print either, so take your time to read tain a Travel Insurance Policy for the Tour. If you have arranged your through these simple terms and conditions before you make your own insurance, please send policy details to SHS. booking with us. All of our tours comply fully with government travel Travel insurance is for your own protection so please ensure that regulations and EC package travel directives. In these terms and con- your policy is up to date and will cover your sporting activity. For ditions “you” and “your” refers to anyone named on the booking those Playing Rugby on Tour, we recommend you obtain a policy form. “We” or “Our” refers to Sky High Sports Limited. which includes a Category 2 Sports and Activity Clause. Travel insurance is especially important if you are booking your own Booking & Deposits flights as part of your tour package, as we cannot refund any tours If you wish to accept a tour from SHS, you must contact your tour due to flight delays or cancellations. Please send us confirmation of manager as soon as possible. We will then send you an invoice, book- your insurance for all passengers once you have booked your tour. ing form & these Terms and Conditions to be completed, signed and SHS is an affiliate of Endsleigh Insurance. Through our partners, we returned by the date stated. are able to offer competitive and effective Sport Inclusive Travel In- The booking form should be returned to SHS together with the de- surance packages for the touring party. Please speak with your Tour posit amount as stated on the invoice. The quote price takes into Manager for more information. account a minimum number of people travelling, please be aware that surcharges may be applied in cases of underoccupancy, group Union & Federation Permission reductions or cancellations. For Tours travelling outside your own Union or Federation, i.e. out- Please be aware that until a booking is received and payment has side of the country you represent, it is the responsibility of the tour- cleared, we cannot make any reservations for your tour unless speci- ing team, and not the tour operator, to obtain Union or Federation fied in writing by a member of staff. If there is an error in the booking clearance to play Rugby Fixtures in another Union. Where possible, form or a confirmation document, you must inform us as soon as SHS will present the required information to complete the documen- possible, as it may not be possible to make changes later on. tation appropriately. Once a booking form and deposit has been received, your tour man- ager will check final availability of your tour. If price or availability has Financial Security changed since your original quote and your deposit and booking SHS is a company committed to customer satisfaction and consumer form have not been received before the valid date specified on your financial protection. quote, a new quote may be issued. We are therefore pleased to announce that, at no extra cost to you, and in accordance with ''The Package Travel, Package Tours Regula- Your Contract tions 1992'' all passengers booking with SHS are fully insured for the Once you have signed and returned the booking form, you (the tour initial deposit, and subsequently the balance of monies paid as de- leader) and your group enter into a contract with SHS, so please tailed in your booking confirmation form. The policy will also include check that you have the authority to act on behalf of the touring repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment party, team or club. In signing the booking form, you are accepting of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of SHS. these terms and conditions yourself and on behalf of persons using This insurance has been arranged with Affirma, a trading brand of the services of SHS. MGA Cover Services Limited (registered address Farren House The Subsequently, please ensure that all people involved, understand Street, Farren Court Cowfold West Sussex RH 13 8BP, company regis- these Terms and Conditions and have up to date information on the tration: 08444204 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct tour package booked by you. Authority registration number 678541) under a binding authority Please also ensure that all information on the booking form is com- with the insurer CBL Insurance Europe Limited (registered address plete and accurate, SHS cannot be held responsible for inaccurate 2nd Floor 13-17 Dawson Street Dublin 2 Ireland, who are authorized booking information. Any changes to your tour within four weeks of and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority registration num- the departure date must be made in writing to the SHS and cannot ber 203120). In the unlikely event of insolvency, you must inform be guaranteed. Affirma (MGA Cover Services Limited) immediately on +44 (0)20 3540 4422. Please ensure you retain this booking confirmation form Payment as evidence of cover and value. Alongside your final quotation, SHS will issue an invoice specifying Policy exclusions: This policy will not cover any monies paid back to the payment dates for deposits and subsequent payments. Final you by your Travel Insurance or any losses which are recoverable payment is normally due no later than six weeks prior to departure. under another insurance or bond. This will fluctuate depending on the duration and scale of the tour. SHS will always confirm in writing what the required & agreed pay- ATOL & The Civil Aviation Authority ment dates are. We are fully licenced with the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL If payment is not received on time, a member of the SHS team will 11291. All of the flights and flight-inclusive tours shown on our web- get in contact with you, the tour leader, to resolve the issue and site or within our Tour Information Packs are financially protected by avoid cancellation. If payment is still not received in reasonable time the ATOL scheme. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight up to 6 weeks before the tour, we reserve the right to cancel your inclusive holiday from Sky High Sports Limited (ATOL 11291), you will tour as a last resort without refund. receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, If paying for a ticketed event such as a rugby match, theme park or where you can get information on what this means for you and who theatre show, tickets will need to be paid for upfront and are not to contact if things go wrong. refundable. We also adhere to our suppliers’ cancellation terms at all All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in our brochures & infor- times. Any loss incurred by SHS in the event of a full or partial cancel- mation packs & on our website are financially protected by the ATOL lation, will be passed to the touring party. Payment can be made by scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. BACS, CHAPS or INTERNATIONAL Bank Transfer or by Cheque. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked
SKY HIGH SPORTS 16 THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
SKY HIGH SPORTS TERMS & CONDITIONS
(flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our book- emergency phone number (+44 7834 233 768) and a dedicated advi- ing conditions for further information or for more information about sor can help you resolve the problem. financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ ATOLCertificate Passports, Visa’s, + EHIC Card If you book flights yourself you may not be ATOL protected and may As a tour leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that all members need extra protection so contact us for more information on your of your touring party have the appropriate documentation. This in- tour flights. cludes passports, Visa’s (if required), EHIC (E111 equivalent) plus any insurance documentation amongst others. Please leave at least 70 days to obtain all these documents. You must mention at time of enquiry whether any members of your group have any special needs or requirements including physical, dietary or any other. You should contact a doctor if you are in doubt about your fitness to travel. For more advice, visit www.fco.gov.uk and visit your local Post Office to obtain a copy of ‘Health Advice for Travellers.’ Sports Fixtures and Tournaments SHS arranges matches through a network of contacts and interna- Behaviour tional match and tournament agents. Every effort will be made to In signing the booking form, you, the tour organiser, accept responsi- match the standard of your team with the standard of your opposi- bility for the behaviour of yourself and your touring party for the tion, but this cannot be guaranteed. SHS cannot be held liable for the duration of the tour. You therefore, are liable for any damage or cancellation of matches due to circumstances outside of our control, loss caused by your group. Full payment for the damage must be including weather conditions, league commitments or any other paid at the time. You will be responsible for meeting all costs factor. As a matter of league policy, please contact the necessary (including both party’s legal costs) involved in any subsequent claims sporting bodies before touring, to ensure that your fixtures are suita- made against either SHS or your group. If the behaviour of any of bly approved. Please ensure that you and your team respect local your tour party is deemed unacceptable by SHS staff, suppliers or rules and regulations and are prompt for all matches. With regards to agents we reserve the right to terminate your tour without refund. tournament entries, the number of matches is dependent upon the SHS will be entitled to recover from the touring party, the costs of number of teams entered into the tournament. SHS cannot guaran- any damage or loss to SHS or our suppliers, caused by the group. tee a minimum number of tournament fixtures but will endeavour to Should your behaviour be such that the relationship between SHS provide suitable match arrangements. The Teams entered into a and our supplier(s) is damaged, we will seek to recover compensa- tournament or festival must adhere to the rules of the tournament tion equivalent to the loss of future earnings. Please be aware that organisers. SHS cannot be held responsible for failure to comply with alcohol consumption may invalidate your insurance and appropriate these regulations. care should be taken when under the influence of alcohol.
Cancellation Charges Tour Organiser’s Responsibilities All cancellations of group of individual tour member must be made in As a group organiser it is your responsibility to: writing by the tour organiser and sent to SHS at the address below. Cancellation charges are as follows: • Complete booking form on behalf of the group and ensure that all information you give to SHS and have received from SHS is Period before Departure % of Tour Payable accurate. • Make deposit and final payment on time. From Booking 100% of the Deposit • Ensure that your group have up to date passports, all Visa re- Under 42 Days 25% quirements are met and EHIC’s have been obtained in time. • Keep your group well informed with info given to you by SHS. Under 28 Days 50% • Obtain suitable Federation/Union approval for the Tour Fixtures. Under 14 Days 100% • Arrive promptly for transfers, matches, events or departures.
• Inform us of any changes Prices and Surcharges • Ensure that you and your group adhere to local laws and regula- Prices in the SHS Tour Information Packs, on the website or one quo- tions of SHS and our suppliers. tations to you, are correct at the time of publication. SHS reserves the right to change these prices due to increases in costs of products SHS – Our Liabilities or services. We will however absorb up to 5% of any increase in price SHS do not accept liability for death or bodily injury to you or any of the tour and will not impose surcharges less than 4 weeks before member of your group unless it is the proven fault of a member of tour departure. Check your quote sheet for the amount of days that SHS staff, representative, agent or supplier who was acting within your quote is valid for and please return a booking form and deposits the course of their employment or partnership with SHS. before this deadline or a new quote will need to be issued if you sub- We can accept no liability for unforeseen circumstances beyond the mit your booking form after this deadline. control of the company or its members of staff including flight de-
lays/cancellations or force majeure. SHS staff will however be availa- Complaints ble for advice and information 24-hours-a-day whilst you are on your At SHS, we aim to ensure that we exceed your expectations in every tour from our UK offices. area of your tour arrangements. However, if you have any sugges- Thank you for taking the time to read these terms and conditions. tions or even a complaint about our service, please do inform us in Rest assured, now the fun can really begin so simply complete your writing at the end of your tour. If your problem occurs whilst you are booking form and return it with your deposits as advised on your on tour then please inform your SHS representative or agent (coach provisional quote. company, hotel manager etc.) immediately. SHS also has a 24-hour
SKY HIGH SPORTS THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS 17 SKY HIGH SPORTS LIMITED | THE RUGBY TOUR SPECIALISTS
SUITE 8, CORBRIDGE BUSINESS CENTRE, TINKLERS YARD, CORBRIDGE, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE45 5SB WWW.SKYHIGHSPORTS.CO.UK | [email protected] | +44 1434 636 097