Team England’s journey to Newport for their annual polo clash with Team USA was more than just a sporting trip, it was a long weekend immersion in coastal charm, local culture, and the timeless tradition of polo. From the moment they touched down in Boston to their final sail on Narragansett Bay, the players and their entourage lived a story that blended competition, camaraderie, and the magic of a New England summer.

The story began at Logan Airport, where Chris Gregory, Jimmy Wood, and Josh Cork, along with Garrie, Jen, and Georgie, landed with kit bags, mallets, and plenty of anticipation. Rockstar Limo‘s timely chauffeur driven van delivered them to Newport, where the Brenton Hotel on America’s Cup Ave. would serve as home base for the holiday. Overlooking the harbor with its bustle of sails and sea air, it was the perfect vantage point for days filled with sport and evenings of camaraderie.

The week’s first taste of polo came at Newport Polo’s tournament field, tucked away in Portsmouth on Thursday. At 5 PM, the England squad joined local players for a spirited Friendship Tournament, a warm-up of sorts before Saturday’s big match. The polo was lively, marked by fast runs and friendly banter. Afterwards, the sidelines transformed into a casual feast with Newport’s favorite gourmet food trucks dishing up post-match nosh. It was a chance for the players to settle in, shake off travel fatigue, and start connecting with the local polo community.

The next morning, Team England embraced the coastal lifestyle. Yachting, swimming, and lunch on the water with the expert marine services of Sea Newport to fill the day’s first half, offering both a refreshing dip and a taste of the maritime heritage that defines Newport. By afternoon, the players turned their competitive energy toward the legendary tennis courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame for a brisk session before trading mallets for walking shoes. They strolled the Cliff Walk, taking in sweeping ocean views, then enjoyed the shimmering exhibits at the Audrain Auto Museum.

As the sun began to sink, the team regrouped at the Brenton Hotel‘s living room for a welcome reception overlooking Newport’s twinkling harbor. Glasses clinked, the pink sunset illuminated the harbor, and stories were swapped with new friends. Dinner followed at the iconic Clarke Cooke House, where the lively energy of Bannister’s Wharf set the scene for a festive evening. Between fresh seafood, laughter echoing up the stairwells, and the storied décor of the restaurant, the night carried the unmistakable feeling that match day was just around the corner.

Saturday dawned bright and breezy, the kind of day Newport seems to reserve for its grand occasions. The morning was free for exploring: some of the team set off for mansion tours, wandering through the gilded halls of the Breakers and Marble House; others attempted kite flying from the many shapes and styles available from Newport Kites at Brenton Point, laughter cutting through the salty breeze. The beaches beckoned too, where a few players found time to wade into the Atlantic surf before changing into whites.

By late afternoon, all roads led to Glen Farm, where at 5 PM the long-anticipated match between England and USA began. The field was alive with energy: spectators in summer finery, flags snapping in the breeze, and ponies stamping in anticipation. The chukkers were fiercely contested, with Team England showcasing skill, precision, and the kind of teamwork honed over countless matches abroad. Each goal brought roars from the crowd, the rivalry stoked but always in the spirit of the game. As the final whistle blew, attention shifted to the sidelines for Après Polo, a fieldside gathering of players, fans, and friends. Food and drink flowed freely, music set the rhythm, and laughter carried across the grounds. For Team England, the evening extended into downtown Newport for a final nightcap, the perfect punctuation to a day steeped in tradition and rivalry.

After the intensity of match day, Sunday offered the team a chance to relax. The morning began with an a luxurious sailing experience on board the 92-foot sailing yacht Tree of Life, and stories of its two worldwide circumnavigations. Fresh off the launch, the team headed to  Island Adventure for electric bikes to coast along scenic Ocean Drive to Newport’s protected beaches. There, under the late summer sun, they enjoyed the relaxation of a beach day: swimming, lounging, and reliving the previous night’s highlights until the late afternoon. A farewell dinner capped the evening in the 12 meter yacht club room at the polo club’s downtown digs, the Clarke Cooke House for a fitting farewell.

For Team England, this trip was more than a match against the USA. It was a week woven with moments on and off the field under the late-summer sun, meals shared overlooking the water, history and leisure stitched into each day. Newport, with its blend of elegance and sport, once again proved to be the perfect stage for a rivalry that goes beyond borders and a reminder that in polo, the journey is every bit as memorable as the match itself.

As the final international team is journeying half way around the world to Newport, their itinerary is being planned to include Newport Mansion tours under the guidance of Newport Jaguar Tours, tennis on the famed courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, sailing on one of Newport’s many ticketed sails, kite surfing at  Adventure Kiteboarding School, a picnic at the beach with Elizabeth in Newport, a lunch and tasting at Newport Vineyards, among many memorable stops in the City by the Sea.