South Africa 08

We always said this was to be an education - both on and off the pitch. A fantastic schedule had been drawn together, 30 players were set and accompanied by around 55 parents and siblings - this was one BIG tour.

On the pitch, we played 9 games against 6 schools in 12 days. We 'borrowed' a couple of guys from Waterkloof for our last game against Monument High so we could put out two teams and round things off in style. For the record the A side played 5 games and won 3; the B side played 4 games and won 2.

Off the pitch we did a lot - Table Mountain, Langa Township Tour, Newlands Stadium, Shark Diving, Starfish Charity in Grabouw, Robben Island, watched South Africa v New Zealand at Newlands, saw Africa Umoja show, Apartheid Museum, Cape of Good Hope, and two days on a Game Reserve. We visited Cape Town, Malmesbury, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Mabula. We spent 17 days away - and had a really great time.

We made some really good friends, especially the guys (and families) at Waterkloof High School. The warmth of their welcome was just outstanding - we look forward to keeping in touch with them.

For the supporters - LOVEYOULONGTIME! - they all had a brilliant time too staying in some fabulous (and some less than fabulous) locations, eating particularly well, and of course sampling local wonderful wines.

As one Mother kept on saying - a life changing experience all round.

To see the A side match reports click here

To see the B side match reports click here

To see a small selection of images click here