South Africa Rugby Tour
Ready and raring to go
There is huge excitement amongst our senior rugby players just ahead of departure for their twelve day tour to South Africa. The tour party consists of a large squad of 42 players comprising our successful first team and a development squad of emerging players.
The players, staff and parent supporters make their way to London Heathrow this Sunday 19th July for their flight to Johannesburg.
Initially, they will be based at the High Performance Centre of the University of Pretoria for training and acclimatisation.
The teams will go on to play six fixtures against three South African schools’ sides: Rustenburg High School on Wednesday 22nd July; Norman Henshilwood High School in Cape Town on Sunday 26th July; and Fairbairn College also in Cape Town on Tuesday 28th July.
There is a packed programme of travel and visits for the boys to enjoy when not playing or training including game drives, lunch at the top of Table Mountain, an excursion to Robben Island, Valley of the Waves water park, the Springbok Experience Museum and stadium visits.
The boys will also spend time with local host families in Rustenburg and visit Fisantekraal Township to meet local children and donate sports equipment and kit.
Players completed their final training last week with a number of sessions run by ‘guest’ coaches: John Fletcher – the England Under 18 head coach; Ally Hogg – Newcastle Falcons and Scotland; Dave Reed – county rugby development officer and also part of the national Under 18 set-up; and Micky Ward (Newcastle Falcons).
The boys know that they will face tough, physical opposition on the pitch and are ready for the challenge. They also know that they will enjoy the camaraderie of a sporting tour and experience the amazing sights, history and culture of South Africa.
You can follow the tour’s progress via this blog and our Twitter feeds: @NSB_Boys and @NSB_Sport