Over 50 students and staff from Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University (UPMC) in Paris travelled to Dublin for an annual friendly rugby game against the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on Saturday, 9 March. Each year, coinciding with the Ireland versus France match in the 6 Nations championship, a team from RCSI takes on a team from UPMC, incorporating San Antoine. The game, in existence for over 20 years, alternates between Dublin and Paris, depending on the location of the 6 Nations tussle.

The activities commenced with a welcome dinner in the College Hall and Board Room, RCSI. The visitors were welcomed to The College by the RCSI rugby team and College staff including Professor Arnie Hill, Professor Alan Johnson (retired), RCSI team captain, Conor Keogh and the Student Services team; Corriena Brien, James O'Hagan, Caoimhe O'Gorman and Ivan Carty. The celebrations were quickly in full swing and an array of College and rugby songs could be heard billowing through the building.

The following day, both teams took to RCSI's sports grounds in Dardistown and battled each other, as well as the harsh weather and a waterlogged pitch. However an exciting game of rugby ensued. At half time there were no points on the score board, so both teams revisited their game tactics and came out for the second half with even more gusto than before. Despite a close fought game, RCSI edged the match with a 6-5 win. This ensured that the beautiful bronze trophy remains in the RCSI trophy cabinet - at least for another year.

Following the match, commemorative medals were presented to the visitors and both team captains made closing speeches.

Corriena Brien, Student Services Manager commended both teams and supporters who came out on the day despite extremely cold and wet conditions. She said; "History and tradition are of great importance to RCSI and this extends across student events including this one. It is really important that we all play a part in keeping such sporting endeavours alive. This particular one is over 20 years in existence and it is wonderful to see the camaraderie events such as this bring." She went on to add, "The Student Services Office is delighted to support such sporting exchanges and we hope this one continues for many more years to come."