In this final part of our look back at the 1994 Great Britain Students visit to Morocco, we focus on the conclusions drawn in John Risman's Tour Report from the experience. As we have seen, on the pitch the team performed fantastically well, and were unbeaten in the three matches played. But was this on-pitch success mirrored in all areas?

There can be no doubt that touring is one of the most rewarding experiences any player can encounter. The 1994 tour proved to be memorable not solely because of the team's performances in the three matches played, but in so many other important areas that make up a successful tour abroad. The travel and hotel arrangements were more than satisfactory, and although problems did surface with regard to training facilities (namely that no other facilities were available other than the beach which was on occasions too crowded for what was required, and was also relatively dry and soft), these were adequate overall.

It would appear from the Report that team cohesion and harmony was achieved throughout, and this friendly and workmanlike atmosphere must have been a considerable asset to the team's performances, and does great credit to the management team and to all the players. As was mentioned in the first episode, the party was split into four teams who competed against each other not only in formal game situations (touch rugby, swimming, pool, beach flags race etc) but also in other important considerations such as good team behaviour and self-discipline. The squad was admirably captained by Iain Stanger of Scotland, with Mike Kerr (Ireland) providing excellent support in a vice-captaincy role. It would appear from the Report that their roles and those of the management were respected by the remainder of the tour party, and that a tremendous level of congeniality and workmanlike, productive cohesion was achieved. The squad were great ambassadors for Student Rugby League, and indeed for Great Britain and the sport itself.

With regard to the standards of play, it does not necessarily follow that 'results speak for themselves'. Yes, the fact that the Great Britain team was unbeaten and that they won games by wide margins indicates a level of playing standard superior to their opposition, but the fact that questions were asked about some players fitness standards demonstrates that this problem had been identified and that there was an attention to detail that does the tour personnel great credit. It would have been simple to reflect in the glory of victory, but the aim was to strive for the highest standards possible and to identify areas that needed attention. Of course, improved fitness has been a very important aim in Student Rugby League preparation in recent years.

Despite one player being sent off (for tripping) and one sin-binned for foul play, on-pitch discipline was generally good. First aid equipment was certainly more than adequate, and although not needed, medical provisions and facilities were there at the squad's disposal. The Moroccan organisation could have benefited from further planning on occasions. However, there were no major problems and their tour had been very well planned. The Tour Report considered that Hussain M'Barki required further assistance from the Rugby League authorities in his efforts to further develop the sport in Morocco - in particular, administration and secretarial support was identified.

Undoubtedly, the tour was a tremendous success. Perhaps the final word should be left to Iain Stanger, the tour captain, who gave his own thoughts in the Tour Report: "Quite simply one of the best Rugby tours I have had the good fortune to be involved with. It was an honour and a pleasure to captain this fantastic bunch of lads. The way the squad conducted themselves, both on and off the field can serve only to further the cause of Rugby League in both Morocco and British Universities and Colleges. The team played hard both on and off the pitch and our efforts were justly rewarded (on and off the pitch!)."

If anyone on this or other tours would like to give 'League Leader' readers an insight into what it is like to be on tour, please just put pen to paper and send it in to the Alumni office.