South Africa Sports Tour

In August 2025, 43 students and staff from Ampleforth College set off on a memorable 12 day Rugby and Hockey Tour to South Africa with GB Sports Tours. On 9 August 2025, the teams, filled with much excitement and anticipation, gathered at Newcastle Airport to embark on their journey. With a stopover in Dubai, the group arrived in Cape Town where they were greeted with stunning scenery and warm hospitality. With an action packed itinerary there was not a moment to waste. Their first stop was Stellenbosch, a beautiful university town in the heart of South Africa’s wine country. Known for its oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture, it offered a peaceful and culturally rich start to the tour.

Having acclimatised with their first self-led training session under their belts, the Rugby 1^st XV and girls 1^st XI Hockey teams took to the pitches to play De Kuilen High School. The 1^st XV fought hard in a tough first match closely taking a win at 27-22. After a good match the Girls 1^st XI took home an 8-1 win to start the tour. Ahead of each of their matches each of our teams had self-led training sessions to help them acclimatise, sharpen their tactics and build team cohesion laying the groundwork for strong performances. The students took their highs from their wins with them as they set off on their transfer to Grabouw for their Cape Canopy ziplining experience where they soared through mountain canyons in the Hottentots Holland range. The group then moved to Cape Town, a vibrant city famous for its coastal views, historic landmarks, and dynamic urban culture and a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens which was swiftly followed by their second match of the tour. Against a strong and physical team, the 1^st XV played HTS Bellville securing a 17-0 victory through disciplined play. The girls 1^st XI had a challenging match against Fairmont High School, one of South Africa’s top ranked teams, losing 1-4 to Fairmont.

It was off to the beach to start day 6 with a surf lesson at the top of the agenda. A glorious morning at Table view where the students learnt to ride the Atlantic waves with professional instructors surrounded by the stunning scenery. That afternoon was one of the most meaningful parts of the tour. A visit to Fisantekraal Orphanage, where students spent time with the children. It was a humbling and inspiring experience as they learnt about the children’s lives and the daily challenges they face.

The final match for our 1^st XV against Bernadino Heights High School saw a dominant 45-5 win showcasing their attacking strength. The girls 1^st XI bounced back with a 10-0 win against Bernadino Heights. The girls 1^st XI took on their final match the following day and ended the tour with a narrow 3-4 defeat to Bellville High School in a fast-paced and competitive game. From this point onwards the tour absorbed the culture and adventure that South Africa has to offer. A Seal Island cruise from Hout Bay gave them a chance to see Cape fur seals in their natural habitat, and a ride on the Table Mountain cable car offered breathtaking views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. The group took a guided tour of Langa Township, Cape Town’s oldest and most historically significant township. Established in 1927 during apartheid, Langa was designed to segregate Black South Africans. Today, it stands as a vibrant community full of resilience and culture. Students visited local homes, community centres, and art initiatives, engaging with residents and learning about the township’s legacy.

The tour concluded with a traditional meal at Lelapa Restaurant, where students were welcomed with warm hospitality and authentic South African cuisine. The final leg of the tour took them to Aquila Game Reserve in the Karoo region, where they enjoyed a tranquil escape and experienced South Africa’s wildlife up close. At Aquila Game Reserve, students enjoyed two guided game drives and full-board hospitality. They saw elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes in their natural environment, rounding off the tour with a powerful and unforgettable conservation-focused experience.

Throughout the tour, the students showed maturity, enthusiasm, and curiosity. They embraced every challenge, built lasting friendships, and gained a deeper understanding of the world around them. It was an unforgettable experience for all involved. Special recognition goes to Minnie and Charlie, who were named players of the tour for their outstanding efforts on the field. Ampleforth College extends its heartfelt thanks to GB Sports Tours, the host schools, and the communities who welcomed the group so warmly. Thanks also go to the staff and students whose energy and conduct made the tour such a resounding success.