South Africa Rugby Tour 2025

United by our bright orange rucksacks, we touched down in Cape Town — our base for the next nine days.
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the country’s beauty: the towering presence of Table
Mountain, sunsets spilling across the cliffs, and the endless sweep of the Atlantic.
Each day was packed. We explored the Waterfront, played Cave mini-golf, zip-lined through the
mountains, surfed at Muizenberg Beach, took a boat trip to Seal Island, and visited the penguin-filled
shores of Boulders Beach. One unforgettable memory was training at Jan Van Riebeeck High School,
where a cool breeze cut through the heat as the sun set over the mountain — the perfect backdrop for
our intense drills.

After Cape Town, we flew to Johannesburg and settled into Sportpro SA Lodge, a base built for athletes,
complete with courts, nets, pools, a gym, and kicking space. On the pitch, both the 1st and 2nd XV played
four fiercely physical matches against South African opposition. Despite their size and intensity, we
finished the tour unbeaten. Every player stood up, and the team played as one. Standout performances
came from George Souter and Ethan Thomas, whose speed and power brought in countless points, while
the rumbling charges of “The White Rhino” Henry Timms and the persistence of Henry Peach embodied
the strength of the forwards.

A fitting close came at Mabula Game Lodge, with sunset and dawn safaris where we saw lions, elephants,
and rhinos — an experience none of us will forget. But the real highlight was our charity work with the Be
The Difference and Winnie Mabaso Foundations. We met inspiring people, sang and danced with the
children, and most importantly, gave something back. It left a mark on us just as strong as rugby.
Despite illness and injuries along the way, we returned proud: undefeated, closer as a squad, and full of
belief for the season ahead. However, this would not have been possible without the aid of the parents,
and of course the incredible staff of Lucas Scully, Mr Burrows, Mr Murray, Mr Sullivan and Mr Fleming,
all of whom prioritised our safety and wellbeing, balanced with maximum entertainment and experience.

Akbar Kyshtoobaev