Rugby Union

So back in sunny Notlob after two terrific weeks and as I walk my dog I reflect back on our tour to South Africa with a smile on my face and an ache in my heart to return to that wonderful country and those wonderful people.It was of course a rugby tour first and foremost,and a highly successful one at that with the 1st XV winning three of their four games,and the2nd XV winning one,drawing one and losing two,so an overall record of P8 W4 DI L3 is one we would certainly have taken before we left Heathrow ; but it was more,much more than rugby.The touring party of 55 and 3 representatives of Sports and Corporate Travel,brilliantly led by the owner of the company Matthew Casson,shared two weeks of life enhancing,life changing and incredible experiences.Each day was jampacked with activity,within less than 2 hours of arriving at Cape Town we were on top of Table Mountain staring in awe at the beauty that surrounded us,this set the pattern and pace for the tour as we witnessed and experienced unprecedented sights and met with new people who quickly became new friends.When I conducted an ad hoc poll of tourists of what their champagne moment was I got a wide set of responses,the Safari game drive was hugely popular,the training session at the Natal Sharks ground taken by 2 former Springboks Balie Swart and Deon Kayser figured high,the sight of hippos on the St Lucia estuary was memorable,but the majority vote was for our boat trip to,and tour around Robben Island.This was a catharsis for many,a crusade for some but for all of us a moving,humbling and emotional,unforgettable experience.

To the people of South Africa we salute and thank you,we pray for further reconciliation in your beautiful country and we all long to return soon.

To the Bolton School Staff,parents,Sponsors and supporters of our tour we give you our sincere thanks for the opportunity we have had.

To the players on tour we thank you for your espirit de corps,your good humour,commitment,discipline and fellowship well done to you all,we are proud of you,you did not let us down and good luckwith your exams and in the future.

Caspar Joseph
1st XV Coach
Head of Sixth Form

The penultimate day had arrived both too quickly and too slowly, tours have a habit of doing this. Whilst we have all been away for a short two week period it some how feels a lot longer. We have been so busy we haven’t had much time to stop and reflect on what we have all actually seen and done.

From the west coast of Africa were the sun sets in the evening to the east coast were it rising in the morning. We have seen everything from the furthest stretch of land on earth at Cape Point were it is said that the two oceans collide, to “The Big Five” animals of the African bush. Played some fantastic rugby and notched up a few victories met both Black and White players and enjoyed the hospitality shown by all. Bolton School have made good impressions on everybody they have met and will leave for home knowing that people will be talking about them for years to come. Indeed of the 500 or so t shirt that has been given out all over South Africa it will be hard not to remember them.

So once again the saying is true, “you may be leaving Africa but Africa never really leaves you”.

After a very competitive day yesterday, today’s plans were somewhat more gentile. With some of the boys heading off to a local shopping mall to get souvenirs for themselves and loved ones back home. Others were taken the short distance a local course for a game of golf, again organised by Regan the every helpful hotel manager.

Later went back into Durban for the end of tour Gala Dinner at the Roma Revolving Restaurant.