The Indianapolis Colts practised on a freshly installed NFL-style football field tucked away at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club, about 20 miles outside London, preparing for their Sunday clash against the Washington Commanders. The choice to train in the quiet English countryside near Ware reflects a shift in how NFL teams handle international games, focusing on concentration over city distractions.
Hanbury Manor, originally a grand home built in the 1890s and later a convent until the 1980s, was converted into a hotel and country club. Its grounds now feature a field specifically built for NFL teams, first used by the New York Jets five years ago. The Colts opted for this retreat to keep the squad together and avoid the travel difficulties common in the UK, where police escorts for sports teams do not exist.
“We’re going on a business trip over here,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “That’s the focus, the game on Sunday. (Practising at Hanbury) makes sure our guys are locked in.”
This approach contrasts with the early days of NFL international games, when teams would spread out across cities like London, mixing promotional events with match preparation. Now, as these games count towards the regular-season standings, teams seek environments that replicate their usual routines. The Colts maintain players’ schedules as closely as possible, even fighting jet lag by staying up and not fully adjusting to British Summer Time.
Quarterback Daniel Jones described the experience as “a cool memory to have and a fun experience,” especially when paired with winning. The Colts have played three international games in the past four years, winning their previous two matches in Frankfurt and Berlin.
Free safety Camryn Bynum, who remains undefeated overseas in his career, said, “For me, personally, I love winning these overseas games, especially for the flight back home.”
While the NFL games in London attract enthusiastic and occasionally musical crowds, interest in Sunday’s Colts-Commanders fixture has been described as tepid. Still, Steichen sees value in the experience beyond the immediate competition. “You might not remember a Week 3 game in 2015, but you remember the Week 4 game in London,” he said.
The Colts will not be taking in London’s sights or culture during their stay. Jones confirmed the team’s focus is strictly on football. “We’re not here to do all the tourist stuff and do the sightseeing stuff, it’s a little bit different schedule,” he said. The team’s itinerary is devoted solely to preparation and performance.
After the game, the Colts plan to board a plane quickly to return home, avoiding extended stays abroad. This routine aims to minimise disruption and preserve the normalcy of their season.
The Colts’ use of Hanbury Manor reflects a pragmatic approach to international NFL games, prioritising focus and routine in a setting far removed from the city's bustle.
According to Yahoo Sports.
