World-renowned touring side Penguin International (https://www.penguinrugby.com/club/history) made a statement in Bologna, securing two emphatic victories - featuring Dartfordians RFC’s Finnish scrum-half, Danny Taylor, in their ranks and two former Dartfordians Karris Stevens and Emily Davies, both of whom excelled on tour and coaches by our very own Sandra Soler-Gomez!

Penguin International, a charity committed to fostering the development, goodwill, and camaraderie of rugby worldwide through coaching and playing, welcomed Danny to their squad for a thrilling fixture against a Bologna select side, comprised of players from Emil Banca Bologna Rugby Club and Colorno RFC, spanning May 21st–25th.

The Journey Begins:
Day 1 saw players slowly trickling in, culminating in a hearty dinner and drinks at the local rugby club. Danny, fresh off a 7:30 AM flight, wasted no time in immersing himself in the tour’s camaraderie grab him for a chat about that walk to the club after a few welcoming beverages!

Day 2 dialed up the intensity with two hard-hitting training sessions, where players bonded and fine-tuned attacking and defensive structures ahead of game day. Both the men’s and women’s squads let loose in the evening, taking over a local pizzeria with laughter, songs, and games. Danny and his new teammates forged even stronger connections on a night out in Bologna—where a 5 AM return home may or may not have been the highlight!

Building Up to Battle:
After a late breakfast, Day 3 featured a high-energy two-hour training session, including the much-anticipated captains’ announcements. Despite the lingering effects of the previous night's adventures, the squad put in a fantastic performance. With the afternoon free, players scattered some explored, some lounged by the pool, while others opted for a well-earned nap.
Leading the female Penguin squad, “Rockhoppers,” was Sandra Soler-Gomez, a key figure in Penguin International’s coaching academy since 2017. Not only did Steve Hill & Sandra steer the Rockhoppers to a commanding 7-90 victory, but they also spent Day 3 coaching Giallo Dozza a rugby team based inside Rocco D’Amato Dozza Prison. Walking through the heavily secured gates complete with locked doors, booming noises, and high surveillance it felt like stepping into a TV show. But once on the rugby field within the prison walls, the familiar sense of the game returned, with well-behaved inmates eagerly taking part in skill and game-zone sessions despite the language barrier.

Game Day - Leaving It All on the Field:
When it was time for battle, Danny Taylor did not hold back. Coming off the bench, he displayed a full arsenal of skills (we won’t talk about the box kick…) and stunned teammates who barely recognized the transformed Danny from training!
The first half saw a fierce contest, with both teams going head-to-head, but Penguin International’s superior skill and athleticism shone through in the second half, securing a thrilling 17-33 win. Danny’s standout performance made such an impression that Dartfordians RFC were asked to send players next season.
Meanwhile, the Rockhoppers put on an absolute masterclass, claiming a dominant 7-90 win at Rugby Bologna 1928’s home ground. The squad of 24 players was further strengthened by former Dartfordians Karris Stevens and Emily Davies, both of whom excelled on tour.

A Perfect Italian Rugby Finale:
The tour wrapped up in true Italian rugby fashion, featuring plates of tagliatelle al ragù, a DJ playing music on the pitch, and celebrations all around.

Awards were presented to Francesco Paolini (Bologna Rugby Club President), Craig Brown (Penguin CEO), Sandra Soler-Gomez (Rockhoppers Coach and former Saracen), and Riccardo Piovan (Colorno U18 Coach and former Penguin).

The Bologna stop was Penguin International’s only match in Italy this year, marking one chapter of a busy 2025 schedule, next up, their coaching academy heads to Malaysia later this year!