Dorchester RFC Gladiators Tour 2024
Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2 nd – 5 th May
On Thursday 2 nd May a ‘band of brothers’, Dorchester Gladiators, will leave these shores to
take their own unique brand of rugby union and camaraderie to Dubrovnik, Croatia.
This tour, which will be the 27 th Gladiators tour, is now firmly fixed in the Club’s rugby
calendar and it is eagerly anticipated by committed tourists and first timers alike.
It is an ‘old school’ type tour which is run by a committee of one, Ed Taylor, to whom the club
owes a great deal of thanks.
Whilst some outsiders may feel that this arrangement smacks of a dictatorship, it has proved
to be the most effective way in ensuring the tour runs smoothly.
We are happy to be in the hands of a benevolent dictator, Ed!!
Alongside Ed we have a very efficient and eagle eyed ‘fines committee’ who will ensure that
any violation of tour rules does not go unpunished. There is of course an avenue for any
tourist to appeal their fine to a tour tribunal but most wisely accept their punishment and do
not go down this route.
We also have several choir masters who will ensure that everyone’s spirits are kept high and
that we entertain our hosts with renditions of long-lost English folk songs.
Of the 47 tourists, 8 will be joining the group for the first time. These first timers are known
as ‘Cabin Boys’ and form an essential part of the tour. Their duties are not erroneous but are
designed to immerse them into the culture and objectives of the tour.
Indeed, as it is our newly elected President, Martyn Raper’s, first tour he will also be a cabin
boy but in deference to his exalted position he will be the Head Cabib Boy.
In between our visits to the outstanding historical monuments, first class museums and
antiquities we will play rugby and hopefully also find some time to relax.
‘Where are we going next year Ed?’
