Rugby Academy returns inspired from South Africa tour
Around 30 Coleg Sir Gâr Rugby Academy players have returned from what some students are describing as a ‘once in a lifetime’ tour of South Africa.
Home to the current Rugby World Cup champions, the tour saw students and five lecturers tour Cape Town and the surrounding area where they played three competitive rugby matches and visited cultural and educational attractions over the 11-day tour.
This tour has been made possible thanks to local sponsors Adam Jones of Vaughan Construction Ltd who is the principal tour sponsor, TAD Builders Ltd who is a partnership tour sponsor, the Bridge Llangennech and Cadog Homecare Ltd who are the rugby academy’s principal sponsors and partnership sponsors for the tour.
Jac Pritchard, tour team captain for the game against South Africa College High School (SACs) , also plays for the Scarlets Academy and is studying level three sports coaching and development, he said: “The tour made memories of a lifetime. Exploring the many sites and experiences of South Africa was amazing, even better alongside teammates and friends.”
Rory Ghali, a level three sport and exercise science student who celebrated his 17th birthday on tour, met his family who had emigrated to South Africa. “A once in a lifetime opportunity where we made memories that will last a lifetime with great company and a 17th birthday I will never forget,” he said.
The 11-day tour included amongst other visits, a visit to Table Mountain, climb up Lions Head, Cheetah Outreach, Stellenbosch University, Robben Island, Aquila Game Reserve and a dinner at a traditional South African, world-famous Gold restaurant.
The college side played against some of the most infamous teams in South Africa, including Masiphumelele RFC (Masi RFC) and False Bay RFC who have developed a number of Springbok internationals.
Rob Kirk, tour manager and sports science lecturer said: “This is our first major tour in a number of years since coming out of the pandemic but this is the start of a biannual long-haul tour.
“Everyone was so welcoming and friendly in South Africa and it was interesting to see how different clubs manage their teams and the inclusivity, camaraderie and support they carry within that process.
“It was also humbling to see some of the lesser equipped teams take their passion to the field and they were welcoming of the kit donations our players offered. We have already reconnected with Frank (Masi RFC team manager/coach) and plan to extend our player development support by sending previously cherished rugby items including boots and equipment out to the township South African club.
Sports Academy head, Euros Evans said: “We were delighted to provide some Welsh support from the side-lines for our four former Coleg Sir Gâr players, namely Josh Morse, Lucca Setao, Macs Page and Harry Thomas, who were representing Wales in the U20s World Cup. It was a proud moment watching our boys face the mighty Haka and play against the mighty New Zealand All Blacks, a truly special occasion.”
Jack Wooller, an A-level student who plays for the college rugby academy added: “It was incredible to experience and understand the true cultures of South Africa.”
Twm Davies, tour team captain for the game against False Bay RFC, is a level three sports coaching and development student, he said: “Travelling has been a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, try new foods and meet new people I have had the chance to learn about a different culture and way of life which has helped me to understand and appreciate the world around me.”
Harri Thomas, a level three sports coaching and development student said: “We had an amazing time with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. “The tour was well organised and we had an amazing group of staff that were great in making the trip safe and also making sure everyone had a lot of fun. We made lots of friends out in South Africa that we will remember forever.
Rob Kirk added: “This tour has given our players some experience of playing internationally, playing on varying terrains from arid dirt pitches in hot conditions to lush green pitches, the welcome has been humbling and an experience we will cherish forever. South Africa we will be back!”
