A TRIO of Pocklington RUFC players are making Penguins history on their Helsinki tour this week.

HSBC Penguins International RFC are an invitational touring rugby union side who are thought to be the most-travelled club in the world across any sport.

Founded in London in 1959, the Penguins have played in or against teams from 75 different countries and territories - but never before against Finnish opponents.

From Thursday, June 27 to Sunday, June30, lining up for the Penguins at the Espoo stadium in Helsinki will be Pock's front-row forward James Thornton, number eight Joe Brown and three-quarter Christian Pollock.

They take on the Finland Polar Bears, a newly-formed invitation outfit hoping to follow in the Penguins' footsteps by playing 15-a-side, 10-a-side and sevens around the world.

Pocklington's director of rugby and former New Zealand Maori prop Tony Penn said: "The Penguins are one of the country's top rugby touring outfits, so getting three Pocklington players into their squad is great news for the club."

Meanwhile, the Pocklington squad have enjoyed a gentle introduction to their pre-season programme, taking part in the Olney sevens last Saturday.

A party of 26 travelled south to compete in the social sevens tournament near Milton Keynes, where they played opposition from Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire - with the emphasis on the 'social' rather than the 'rugby'.

Preparations for the 2019/20 campaign begin in earnest next week with full training Tuesday, July 2 (6.30pm) at the club's Kilnwick Park training ground.

All past, present and prospective players 17 upwards are invited. Boots and trainers are required. For more information or to join Pocklington, phone Penn on 07946 533660.