Previous Rugby Tours to Australia

LEICESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL U18
TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 2002

Tour Information

The group enjoyed a three-centre tour using Sydney, Perth and Cairns as their bases.

Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Sydney combines glamorous shopping and alfresco dining with historic sights, golden beaches and a warm Mediterranean climate. Its relaxed, outdoor lifestyle centres around one of the most stunning natural harbours in the world.

Perth

Perth is blessed with sparkling beaches and a sunny climate and has a relaxed, easygoing lifestyle that makes it a superb city for the visitor. Trips to 'Rocknest Island' are a favourite amongst its visitors.

Cairns

Cairns is set against a magnificent backdrop of high mountain ranges covered with lush, tropical rainforest whose slopes reach almost to the sea. This palm-fringed city is intimate, yet sophisticated with designer shops and gourmet restaurants; a perfect contrast to the natural paradise of the Great Barrier Reef.

TUESDAY 16TH JULY / WEDNESDAY JULY 17TH

The group assembled at Heathrow Airport to check in at 20.00 hours for their 22.30 hours Quantas direct flight to Sydney where they were met by Burleigh Travel representatives who assisted with the check in procedure.

Thursday 18th July

Upon arrival in Sydney, the group were met by Burleigh Travel representatives and transferred to their accommodation in Sydney's Darling Harbour. On arrival at the hotel the group were able to freshen before attending a welcome meeting whilst enjoying breakfast in Darling Harbour.

The group then enjoyed the morning by visiting the AMP Tower in the City centre (pictured left). Fantastic views across Sydney Harbour and the City were enjoyed before experiencing the interactive ride, which gave a virtual tour of Australia.

The remainder of the morning and early afternoon was free to explore their immediate surroundings so they could gain their bearings in this fantastic location. There was also an opportunity for a photo session at the Opera House or to enjoy an evening looking around Darling Harbour.

Friday 19th July 2003

In the morning training sessions were held for all teams. The rugby players took a 10-minute jog to Wentworth Park for their session.

The use of a water based astro pitch was arranged for the girls at nearby Ryde Hockey club.

In the afternoon a trip to Olympic Park was arranged where the group enjoyed a guided tour at Homebush, Sydneys Olympic venue, and saw where the gold medals were won.

A full-guided tour of the 100,000-seat Stadium Australia formed the first part of the tour where the opportunity to have pictures taken on the medal podium was arranged before moving onto the Aquatic Centre where the group could swim in the Olympic Pool.

Saturday 20th July 2003

After an early breakfast the whole group departed darling harbour and travelled firstly to Santa Sabina College where the netball players enjoyed their first taste of Australian Sport. Two matches were played simultaneously.

09.00 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR NETBALL VII 17 v Santa Sabina College 25

Player Of The Match: Claire Simpson

09.00 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR NETBALL VII 15 v Santa Sabina College 15

Player Of The Match: Stephanie Post

Once the netballers had enjoyed time with their opposition, where the after match formalities took place, the short journey to St Patrick's college was made for the first rugby match of the tour.

11.30 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR RUGBY XV 41 v St. Patrick's College XV 12

Player Of The Match: Matt Lindsay

After the fixture was complete the group enjoyed the after match function which was followed by a "sausage sizzle". Host families from St. Patrick's and Santa Sabina then collected their billets from the school and the remainder of the day was enjoyed in their company.

Sunday 21st July 2003

This was a free day where time was spent with host families where there is no doubt that a valuable insight into Australian culture was enjoyed and long lasting friendships made.

Monday 22nd July 2003

Host families returned their billets to St. Patricks College and Santa Sabina College at 08.00 hours. The girls were then transferred to The Olympic Hockey Centre in Homebush Bay for a training session.

The boys trained at St. Patricks College before returning to their accommodation in Darling Harbour.

The Hockey team then departed their accommodation in Darling Harbour at 13.00 hours and travelled to nearby Liverpool, arriving at 14.00 hours to enjoy their first fixture of the tour.

15.00 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR HOCKEY XI 1 v Liverpool U18's H.C.7

Player Of The Match: Anna Warne

18.30 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR RUGBY XV 41 v Sylvania RFC 12

Player Of The Match: Richard Webster

After the fixtures were completed and time was spent saying goodbye to our hosts, the group were transferred back to Darling Harbour.

Tuesday 23rd July

The early morning was free until the group checked out of the hotel and departed for the airport at 10.45 hours for their 12.25 hours flight to Perth, which arrived at 15.15 hours.

On arrival the group were transferred to Corpus Christi School. The pupils then departed with their billets and the staff were transferred to their hotel.

Wednesday 24th July 2003

Parents dropped billets at the school and after a light training session at Corpus Christi, the Hockey and Rugby teams enjoyed their first taste of Western Australian Sport. The hockey match was played at Curtin University; close to Corpus, which is a purpose built hockey stadium with a water based Astroturf pitch. The rugby match was played at Corpus Christi's pitch.

15.00 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR RUGBY XV 17 v Corpus Christi Principles XV 0

Player Of The Match: Matt Schaff

18.30 hours - LEICESTER GRAMMAR HOCKEY XV 0 v Perth Ladies College 1

Player Of The Match: Caroline Payne

After the usual after match festivities were completed the group enjoyed a traditional 'Aussie' BBQ before returning with their hosts to enjoy a second evening in their company.

Leicester Grammar Australian sports tour - page 2 >>