In July, 56 pupils and seven staff embarked on a truly memorable senior rugby tour to South Africa — a nation renowned for its rich rugby heritage, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted sense of community. Over the course of the trip, the touring party journeyed from Johannesburg to Cape Town, taking on both school and club opposition, contributing to charitable initiatives, and immersing themselves in one of the most passionate rugby environments in the world. This was far more than a rugby tour; it was a journey defined by ambition, humility, service, and lifelong learning values that sit at the very heart of Abingdon School.
The pupils played three very different sets of fixtures, with A, B, and C teams taking to the field at every venue. The opening match day against CBC Boksburg in Johannesburg was a physical and fast-paced introduction to the intensity of South African school rugby. The teams responded with courage and composure, setting a determined tone for the rest of the tour.
Next came a spirited contest against Wheelers Rugby Club, a proud community side based in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Played in the shadow of Table Mountain and under the warm glow of a setting sun, these matches embodied the true spirit of the game: fierce competition, mutual respect, and shared enjoyment.
The final fixture, against Paarl Boys’ High School – one of the most prestigious school rugby programmes in the world – was an occasion that will live long in the memory. After a tour of the iconic Faure Street Stadium and the school’s rugby museum, the players stepped into the full theatre and tradition of South African school rugby. All three matches were tightly contested, full of energy and heart, and played in an outstanding spirit. Throughout the tour, the players demonstrated discipline, adaptability, and collective commitment, representing Abingdon with pride both on and off the pitch.
A defining feature of the tour was the opportunity to continue our relationship with the Pebbles Project, a charity supporting children and families in disadvantaged farming communities in the Winelands region. Having supported the construction of new classrooms during our 2023 tour, this year’s group was proud to build on that legacy through further contributions and a heartfelt visit to Wellington Preschool. Pupils spent time assisting teachers, playing with children aged one to five, and witnessing first-hand the positive, lasting impact of the school’s ongoing involvement. It was a moving and humbling experience that offered a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, perspective, and community engagement. Abingdon remains committed to supporting the Pebbles Project in future tours.
Beyond the fixtures and service work, the tour offered rich opportunities for cultural learning and personal reflection. A visit to Pilanesberg National Park for game drives allowed the students to encounter South Africa’s breathtaking wildlife. In Cape Town, they took the cable car up Table Mountain, kayaked from the V&A Waterfront, zip-lined through the mountains, and immersed themselves in the proud rugby traditions of Paarl – including a special visit to the Boishaai Rugby Museum. These moments added depth and meaning to the tour, encouraging pupils to broaden their horizons and see the world through a wider lens.
Throughout the tour, the pupils conducted themselves with maturity, curiosity, and compassion. For many, this was their first experience of an international school trip, and they embraced every challenge and triumph with enthusiasm and pride. Director of Rugby, Mr Matt Gold, reflected:
“South Africa 2025 was a celebration of everything we believe in as a rugby programme – togetherness, ambition, humility and pride. The pupils represented the school with class and maturity, and the memories created will live with them long after the final whistle.”
We are enormously grateful to our generous hosts – CBC Boksburg, Wheelers Rugby Club, and Paarl Boys’ High School, for their warmth, hospitality, and willingness to accommodate us during their busy calendars. Our thanks also go to the Pebbles Project for allowing us to contribute to their inspiring mission. And finally, sincere appreciation must go to the parents, supporters, and colleagues whose unwavering generosity and encouragement helped make this tour possible.
As the squad returns home, there is a renewed sense of energy, unity, and purpose – one that will shape the season ahead and leave a lasting legacy. South Africa 2025 was not just a rugby tour. It was a transformative journey – a celebration of character, culture, and community – and a set of experiences that will stay with our pupils for the rest of their lives.
