Following their most successful season to date which included a Ravenhill Final, Limavady Grammar School is preparing to embark on a 3 week tour to South Africa. The tour party will consist of 50 boys accompanied by 6 coaches and members of staff. Master in Charge of Rugby at the school, Mr. Stephen Barr, will be assisted by Mr. Ross Parker, Mr. Brian Purcell, Mr. Harry Faulkner, Mr. Fred Boyd and Mr. Alan Rodden. The 3 teams, 1sts/2nds/3rds, will play 5 sets of matches while there; as well as partaking in many other activities.
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This will be the schools sixth major overseas tour since 1997 and the fifth to South Africa. The school has recently played a match against Wynberg Boys High, one of South Africa’s top sides. This allowed them to experience the different style and increased physicality that they expect to face on tour. This increased the excitement for tour and captain Stuart Hull, who is one of two players who is going on their second tour to South Africa, described the previous tour as, “a great chance to forge new friendships, reinforce existing friendships and experience a different culture.” Stuart also says the Wynberg experience will have given the boys a good insight into what style of play to expect in South Africa.
The boys arrive in Johannesburg on the 17th July where they will spend the first 3 nights of the trip, staying for one night in the Sandton region of the city which is known as ‘Africa’s richest square mile.’ The remaining two nights will be spent with host families from Springs Boys High School who will provide opposition in the opening fixture of the tour. This will provide a challenge for the teams as the games will be played at altitude and in temperatures much higher than they are accustomed to.
Whilst still in Johannesburg the boys will visit the famous Gold Reef City Theme Park, the Hector Peterson Museum and drive through Soweto township en-route to take part in a tour of Ellis Park rugby stadium and the Wanderers cricket ground.
Following a 3 hour coach drive the party will arrive at Mabula Game Reserve where they will take part in a number of safaris hoping to spot some of ‘Africa’s Big Five’ along with various other mammals and birds. The Game Lodge also has a vast array of recreational activities including paint-balling, Reptile Centre, tennis courts, swimming pools and a mini-market. Many of the boys are looking forward to this aspect of the tour in particular as it is a once in a lifetime experience, allowing them to see the animals in there natural surroundings.
Following the time spent at Mabula the tour group will fly to Port Elizabeth where they will spend two nights. The following day they will transfer to Jeffery’s Bay where they will be free to relax and explore the area or try their hand at surfing in a bid to conquer the 20 foot waves. Whilst here they will also play a round of matches against Muir College from Port Elizabeth.
After checking out of their hotel they will travel along the famous ‘Garden Route,’ on the way they will be able to visit attractions such as Tsitiskamma National Park and Blou Krands Bridge, home of the world’s highest bungee jump. The next night will be spent at Brenton on Sea which has a breathtaking view over unspoilt beaches and peaceful surroundings onto the Indian Ocean.
Following a few hours sight-seeing, and a visit to Kynsna Elephant Sanctuary, the third set of fixtures will take place in Mossel Bay versus Point High School. This match will be followed by a four and a half hour coach journey to Hermanus, the ‘Whale Capital of the World.’
After the day of whale spotting, the group will travel to Cape Town, their final destination on the journey along the Garden Route. The group will be based here for the next four nights. One of these days will be spent on a scenic drive along the Peninsula west coast via the ‘Twelve Apostles.’ During this journey there will be opportunities to visit Seal Island, Cape Point and go see the African Penguins.
The forth round of matches will take place the next day against Rockland’s RFC, a local township side and following the game the tour plans to attend the Super 15 semi-final at Newlands Stadium, home of The Stormers.
The final day in Cape Town will include a visit to the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent many years as a prisoner. Here there will be a guided tour of the island by an ex-political prisoner. After this there will be free time to explore the harbour region of the city.
After exploring the Winelands Region the group will travel to Stellenbosch where they will be hosted by pupils of Paul Roos Gimnasium who they will play the following day in the final match on tour. This will provide a tough test to the boys as Paul Roos are consistently ranked in the top 5 schools in South Africa.
The final day on tour will be in Cape Town where the party will be free to enjoy there last day of the trip followed by the end of tour meal.
After an overnight flight via London Heathrow the group will arrive back at George Best airport on the 3rd August following a trip which for all those involved will have been both memorable and exciting.
The tour would not have been possible with out the many local sponsors to whom the school is deeply indebted to. These include The Friends of the Boys Brigade who sponsored the match shirts, Costcutter/Go who sponsored both the Tracksuits and tour bags and also John Paul Fashions and Air Cool Engineering who provided the polo shirts. Those travelling on the tour also would like to thank all those who provided sponsorship for the various fundraising events which have taken place and those who have advertised in the tour brochure which has been produced.
