Rugby Tour to South Africa 2015
The 1st XV squad enjoyed a very successful tour of South Africa in August.
After flying into Cape Town, the 1st XV squad based itself in Stellenbosch for training at Stellenbosch University and spent time at the Western Province Rugby Academy. They also attended a match between Paarl Boys High and Paarl Gymnasium, an amazing spectacle played in front of 35,000 people.
After a pleasing first performance against Somerset College, the squad and enjoyed sightseeing adventures including a trip to Seal Island, Cape Point and Robben Island. They also visited Langa Township on the outskirts of the City, a memorable experience for all. This was followed by a second match against Rondebosch Boys’ High School played in a stunning setting at the foot of Table Mountain.
The squad then travelled the Garden Route through to the beautiful town of Knysna for the third game against Wittedrift High School. During the stay in Knysna, the squad spent time at the Elephant Park, which was set up to care for and raise orphaned elephants. It was then on to the Kariega Game Reserve. This is an area stretching across 9,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape and home to some of the richest bio-diversity in Southern Africa. Each day began with a morning safari into the bush and finished with an evening safari and ‘sundowner’. After three days in the Kariega the squad drove through to Port Elizabeth. A training session on the beach preceded the final game against Grey High School. Grey is a powerhouse of South African schoolboy sport and the boys rose to the challenge to put in an impressive performance culminating in a narrow defeat.
The tour was a great experience for all, with valuable lessons being learned both on and off the field. We thank our South African hosts who were so hospitable in every way with many friendships being made.
The Scores
The King’s School v Somerset 38-3
The King’s School v Rondebosch 14-28
The King’s School v Wittedrift 15-7
The King’s School v Grey PE 22-33
