The Castle School embarked on an epic 12 night rugby tour to South Africa. Their tour would include three different destinations, Umhlanga, Mkhuze and Cape Town, which would each offer a variety of activities and sites. During the tour the team also had 3 matches against local sides, and a coaching session with a township group.

Setting off from Heathrow on a Saturday evening the team took an overnight flight to South Africa, arriving in Johannesburg where they boarded another fight to Durban. They were picked up and taken to their hotel where they had the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the hotels facilities and pool. 

The next day was spent on Umhlanga Beach where the team ran through some drills and practise on the sand, as well as enjoying the sea and surrounding attractions. Tuesday morning the players walked to Natal Sharks Board where they enjoyed a audio-visual tour and shark dissection.  

The following day was spent at Ushaka Marine World, where their combination tickets gave them access to both the waterpark and the aquarium sections. On Thursday the boys made their way to the Moses Mabhida Stadium for the Big Rush! Climbing up the stadiums white arches, which tower 100 meters above Durban, the team tried the world’s largest rope swing!

That evening was the tours first rugby match, a fixture against Clermont RFC. The recorded their first victory in South Africa, and then enjoyed their hosts hospitality.  

The tours next stop was Ghost Mountain Inn for a thrilling safari experience. Setting off after breakfast on Friday the team arrived early afternoon and had time to relax at the hotel before enjoying their evening meal. An early morning followed as the team boarded their vessel for the Lake Jozini Boat Cruise. Back on dry land for lunch the team then set off on a Game Drive at the Mkhuze Game Reserve where they had the opportunity to spot the famous ‘Big 5’. 

After these amazing two days in the South African bush, the next stage of the tour was a flight to Cape Town. The day was spent exploring Cape Town’s Popular V&A Waterfront before an afternoon fixture against Tygerberg RFC. The team were able to retain their unbeaten run. 

Tuesday was another day to explore Cape Town, utilising the city’s great public transport. There is so much to see and do such as Table Mountain, Robben Island tour, Boulders Beach and penguin sanctuary, Cape Point and the Springbok Rugby Museum. 

The following morning the team enjoyed a tour of Newlands Stadium, home of The Stromers. After this they travelled to their final fixture against Groote Schuur High School. The boys put on a great performance and made sure they were unbeaten on tour!

On Thursday morning they set off to the V&A Waterfront for a guided tour of Robben Island. This tour last around 3 hours and gives you an insightful looking into this famous prison. After that the team travelled to a local township where they ran a coaching session with local children.

After an unforgettable two weeks the team fly home.

The Castle School RFC: Rugby Tour to South Africa Highlights!

If this is a tour that appeals to you and your rugby club, please contact us through our online enquiry form and we will happily provide you with the information you need.