During the summer break the First and Second rugby teams flew to Johannesburg for two weeks of rugby matches, sightseeing and exploration. Thirty-nine boys and five staff took part in what was a very successful tour both on and of the rugby field.
The First Team lost their initial game to Windhoek Gymnasium, the top school in Namibia, but recovered well to record three victories including an injury time try from 80 metres, by Paul Keenan, against Langehoven.
First XV Results:
v Windhoek Gymnasium: Lost 3-54
v Walvis Bay: Lost 21-28
v Langa Township: Won 38-17
v Langehoven: Won 17-15
v Andrew Rabie: Won 24-10
There were also some excellent performances from the young players in the Second XV including Edward Azurdia and Matthew O’Hare who forced their way into the First XV. A great result came against the Langehoven team when James Hennessy struck a penalty from 35 metres to clinch the victory in the final few minutes.
Second XV Results:
v Windhoek Gymnasium: Lost 24-25
v Walvis Bay: Lost 12-35
v Langehoven: Won 13-7
v Andrew Rabie: Won 47-5
Highlights of the trip off of the pitch included dune boarding and quad biking in the Kalahari desert; a dolphin and seal boat trip; trips to Table Mountain and Robben Island, and close encounter with elephants at the Addo Elephant Park. There was also a visit to the Cango Caves and Paul Keenan and Edward Azurdia took an opportunity to ride ostriches. There was time for relaxation playing touch rugby on the beach then cooling off in the waves, all until a fin was spotted in the water a hurried exit was made! The fin turned out to belong to dolphins playing so the boys then ventured back in to the water.
The group also had the chance to watch some first class players at a Super Rugby game featuring the Stormers who beat the Southern Kings at Newlands in Cape Town.