Tour Diary – Bhubesi Pride
Test matches are important. Tours are important. Bhubesi Pride shows that rugby can transcend scorelines and international matches and give children everywhere a chance.
Wednesday was a down day. A chance to see the sights of this wonderful country. To see elephants, sample the delights of Jeffreys Bay and also a chance to give something back.
A trip to a local Township School in Port Elizabeth was a humbling and inspiring part of the day.
Bhubesi Pride assembles teams of committed volunteers to carry out annual rugby coaching expeditions, using the sport as a tool for education and development in Africa.
Working with schools and communities in east and southern Africa, children unite through sport, local staff are empowered and meaningful partnerships are developed to ensure sustainable impact for the long-term.
Tour Diary Week 1: Cape Town
Arrival In Cape Town – A warm welcome and a dip in the sea
Training Day – An intense session against an incredible backdrop
SharkCopter – A day of rest with great white sharks
Team Announcement Day – the team for the first test is announced
Captain’s Run And Coaching Kids – Last run-out in Newlands and a school coaching session
Match Day & History – Ireland beat the Springboks for the first time in South Africa
Travel Day – Farewell Cape Town, Hello Johannesburg
Tour Diary Week 2: Johannesburg
Making A Splash – A pool recovery session and watching the Euros
Altitude & Joost – Training at altitude and a chance to meet a legend and hero
Team Announcement 2 – 10 changes and three new caps for the second Test, and some serious skill from Eoin Reddan
Match Day In Johannesburg – Heartbreak for Ireland as the Springboks level the series
Tour Diary Week 3: Port Elizabeth
Recovery And The Future – Sea session, mental anger and looking to the future
The Shortest Day – The shortest day of the year but plenty of work packed in by the Ireland team
Bhubesi Pride – A day to give something back to rugby working with some of the poorest children in Africa