The Bow Valley Grizzlies are welcoming visitors from thousands of kilometers away this Thursday.

The club will play members from the  Royal Army Physical Training Corps, from the British Army, in an exhibition game at Mitford Ponds.

Tyler Hawes, head coach and Director of Rugby for the Bow Valley Rugby Club says it's common for teams to tour internationally.

"It's kind of a tradition in rugby to go on tours," he explains. "To go to another country, and play 3 or 4 games against teams you've never seen before."

It's the Grizzlies' first time hosting a touring side, the opportunity came up as the British team has a Cochrane connection.

"One of the guys on the touring side played half a season with us. So he's bringing his team over and playing a game against us, one in Red Deer, and the Stampede 7."

Hawes says it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies fare against a team from a country where rugby is extremely popular.

"It should be a good test for the boys, and do some networking with this team. It's just part of this culture, it will really good experience for the guys, it's pretty exciting for the club."

The Grizzlies are not scheduled to play another game until August.