Home > News > South Africa Rugby Tour 2026

South Africa Rugby Tour 2026

Thirty-six members of the senior rugby squad travelled to South Africa this summer for a memorable pre-season tour.

The tour began in Stellenbosch, where the boys had the opportunity to train at the renowned Paul Roos Gymnasium, one of the world’s leading rugby schools. The squad then played their opening fixtures against the Be The Difference charity, with both Cheltenham teams securing victories and gaining valuable game time ahead of the season.

Away from the pitch, the boys enjoyed a packed programme of activities, including a visit to Cape Town to watch the Stormers take on the All Blacks, a safari, surfing and a trip up Table Mountain. These experiences helped strengthen relationships across the squad and made the tour even more memorable.

The final matches were played against Rondebosch in Cape Town, providing a physical and fast-paced test to conclude the trip. Both Cheltenham teams showed great determination to earn hard-fought victories.

With a busy season ahead, the tour provided the perfect foundation for the squad, both on and off the field, as they prepare for the challenges to come.

A large group of young rugby players, wearing red and white or dark jerseys, pose together on a grassy pitch in front of school buildings and mountains at sunset.
Two people on a sunny stadium pitch fist-bump each other. One holds team shirts. Stadium lights, empty seats, and a mountain range are visible under a clear blue sky. Some flowers and greenery are in the foreground.
A group of people pose together on a mountaintop with a scenic view of a large body of water, coastline, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A group of rugby players pose together under goalposts on a grassy pitch, some wearing striped jerseys and others in dark shirts, with trees and houses in the background.
A large group of people stand together beside a clear blue swimming pool, with green hills and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A large group of young people wearing yellow and purple wetsuits pose for a photo on the steps outside surf shops, with Surf Emporium and Ocean Basket signs visible behind them.
Three people are surfing in the sea with choppy waves. One person stands on a surfboard with arms raised in triumph whilst the others paddle nearby. The sky is clear and blue.