If you have been following the mixed fortunes of the British team at the current rugby World Cup, you most likely know a little bit about the other teams taking part in the competition. You would, however, be forgiven if you have never heard of the Ventura Vikings. You might also be oblivious to the fact that the team is currently preparing for its fourth Caribbean season.

The P&O Ventura Vikings team was the creation of the 33-year-old Youth Director of P&O Ventura, Mark Price. He established it three years ago after realising he missed his rugby playing days at home.

He started off by sourcing a bag of old rugby boots and shirts from his local rugby club – Tynedale in Northumberland. This he took on his next trip to the Caribbean. His biggest challenge was to convince 15 fellow crew members to join the newly created team.

So little did they know about rugby that Mark had to explain the rules to them while they were on the coach to their first match, which took place at Garrison Savannah.

Mark managed to drum up more support for his team over the next three years and currently it consists of both crew members and officers of the cruise ship. To be frank they have only won five matches so far, but their spirit remains high and most importantly: they are having a ball.

Mark says “Last season we only just lost against Barbados's national team so we are really looking forward to getting back out to the Caribbean this winter and giving it another shot.”