Rugby Exchange to Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Over the summer break two Upper Sixth pupils travelled to South Africa as part of a Rugby Exchange. In these articles, the pupils share their experiences, having spent a month abroad.

Written by Barney (Upper Sixth, Xt)

Named after the famous Springbok captain who was the first man to lead the national side on an overseas tour in 1906, Paul Ross Gymnasium (PRG) has always been a school synonymous with rugby. The amazing opportunity to spend five weeks living, training and playing at PRG, a school that has produced more Springbok rugby players than any other school in South Africa (56), was presented to myself and Finn (Upper Sixth, BH) this summer.
It soon became apparent, after a few days spent boarding at the school, that Paul Roos was not solely about rugby, whether on the hockey pitch, in a chess match or at a debating competition it took pride in being ‘Semper Splendidior’ “always brighter/always the best”. The challenge and enjoyment for us, as exchange pupils, was about getting stuck in straight away and immersing ourselves in a school steeped in history, pride, passion and tradition and leave a strong legacy behind us for the next Cheltenham College exchange pupils to follow.
With nine senior teams there was plenty of competition for places, but we were fortunate to be selected by Director of Rugby Corne Uys to train alongside the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV’s which was an amazing experience. The 1st XV contained many representative players including four Springbok U18’s. We played five games in total for PRG during our stay, including playing in “Grey Week” in front of huge crowds. It was an experience we will never forget.

“Grey Week” was a sight to behold! The rivalry between Grey College and PRG is more than just a game. The whole of Grey College and their parents travelled 14 hours for the block fixture (I will never moan about the distance travelled to an away match in Sherborne again!) 15,000 people watched the PRG XV, in a season-defining, unbeaten performance. They demonstrated why they are the best schoolboy rugby team in South Africa (and arguably the world) this year. Although both teams were missing key players on South Africa U18 duties, the final outing for both teams were an incredible sight to witness and definitely worth a watch on YouTube!

Another highlight for me was the chance to do some community outreach rugby coaching at a local township school. The disparity in living conditions I witnessed enroute to the school was shocking to me I must admit. Despite many children playing bare-footed and in their school trousers they picked up the skills quickly and had an amazing attitude. Everyone enjoyed the sessions.

A notable characteristic of the school is its gees (Afrikaans for spirit) and Finn, and I made friends for life during our summer at Paul Roos. I am so grateful that I have had the chance to meet such a great bunch of people playing the game I love. Long may the exchange between our two schools continue. We look forward to welcoming Tiaan and Christian to College this term.

Written by Finn (Upper Sixth, BH)

We departed the UK on 20 July, for a long month of rugby and excitement ahead. We touched down in Cape Town and were greeted by our guardian/host. In the first week it took some adjusting to the new rules of the school, which included top button of the blazer to always be done up and no hands in pockets – which with the blisteringly cold weather was an interesting experience. Not only this but the eye-opening experience was the lack of central heating, which we were told countless times that we should be used to!

Our first game was against a touring side from Scotland two days after we landed, because of the depth that Paul Roos has Hutchinson 1XV side played Paul Roos’ 4ths. Which is a good indication of how good their depth is.

We got into the swing of things with their traditions and school routines with their tuck shop being one of the focuses of this. In week two there was one of, or if not, the biggest schoolboy rugby games in the world – just down the road from where we were. So, we decided to go and make the most whilst we were out here and watch Paarl Boys vs Paarl gymnasium, little did we know that so many people would watch the first and second teams play, it was outstanding! Whilst I was out there I also went to watch some of the U18 international sides, IRE vs SA and ENG vs GEO. As five of the Paul boys were in the team.

We then finished our final week playing Grey College with Barney’s and my parents coming to watch which was a fantastic touch to the end of our trip.