Our parent company, Caldervale Technology Group is a proud supporter of 50th Shaw Cross Rugby League Club French Exchange.
The French Exchange first took place in 1970 when a party of young Shaw Cross Rugby League players and their coaches took the long journey to Villenueve-sur-Lot in South West France, unlike today there were no Budget Airlines and the first trip took almost 3 days by Coach, Boat & Train. This first trip resulted in an annual exchange with the respective French and Shaw Cross Groups visiting each other every alternate Easter, this year will be the 50th consecutive exchange a record in Rugby League and possibly any sport. The Shaw Cross Club will host the French Group this year with the French Players staying with local families around the area. Around 4,000 young players have enjoyed this experience over the years with many lasting friendships being formed along the way.
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“The club would like to thank Caldervale Group of Companies for their support during this 50th French Exchange“
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The French youngsters come from several clubs around the Agenais region notably Villenueve, Tonniens, Pujols and St. Livrade, a programme of games cultural visits and activities keeps the youngsters busy in a hectic week. An idea fostered by 2 Club legends Douglas Hird and Alan Lancaster 50 years ago has become a fantastic experience for the youngsters who take part and today a dynamic committee work hard to ensure it continues.
Many players who have enjoyed the exchange have gone on to great things in the game of Rugby League including former GB International, Wigan, Bradford Bulls, St Helens and Huddersfield star Lee Gilmour and France International and former Catalans Dragons Coach Laurent Frayssinous, amongst many others, The Shaw Cross Club run 17 teams currently which now includes 2 girls teams, the girls recently took part in their first trip to France and as the French girls game grows it is hoped this will also become a regular event.
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Visit the Shaw Cross website www.shawxsharks.com or Facebook Page, where you will shortly find game dates and more details on the tour.
