Rail ‘Conversion’ for London Skolars

The London Skolars are the latest sports team to turn to Virgin Trains to take them to key away matches.

The club, who play in the third tier of professional Rugby League, are the only southern based club in their division and this means travelling in excess of 4,000 miles this season to fulfil away fixtures. Long coach journeys to and from opposition stadiums often mean that the squad do not arrive back in London until the early hours of Monday morning.

Travelling on Virgin’s 125mph tilting trains will significantly reduce journey times and also enable the team to arrive refreshed for the match and provides much needed recovery time on the return journey.

Skolars Head Coach Joe Mbu said: “Skolars travel more miles to fulfil their fixtures than any other professional Rugby League club and the long hours spent on coaches undoubtedly takes its toll on the players. 

“Players will arrive at destinations more refreshed and rested and I also see train travel as a more sociable atmosphere for the players and will also have huge benefits for the player’s wellbeing.”

Arthur Leathley, Virgin Trains Communications Director said: “London Skolars are the latest leading sports team to recognise the benefits of travelling to key matches by train. Athletes value the space and freedom to relax rather than being cramped up in cars. We’re delighted to have the team travelling with us and wish them well for the new season, I am confident they will reap the benefits of travelling with us, that other sporting teams enjoy.” 

Virgin Trains currently looks after the long distance travel for 13 of the 20 Premier League clubs including Manchester United whose Manager Sir Alex Ferguson commented: “I would recommend travelling with Virgin Trains to anyone - it's been first class. The preparation going to London is so vital to us and Virgin Trains is part of our team now.”

Virgin Trains provides a tailor-made service, for large groups, who want to book an entire carriage through to an entire train. It is this flexible and personal approach that has attracted many of the leading football clubs to switch to Virgin Trains for their important journeys.