Cardiff and Vale College’s Rugby Academy recently went on a tour of a lifetime in South Africa, where they competed in the Oakdale School Rugby Festival in Riversdale, Western Cape.
After spending a few days in Stellenbosch for training and acclimatisation, they added an international dimension to the renowned rugby festival which brings together a broad mix of rugby schools from across South Africa. They performed impeccably, impressing their hosts by winning two of the three matches they played against spirited opposition.
The tour also included incredible cultural experiences. The team travelled to the Inspire Youth charity, where they spent the day with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. They danced, played games and ate with the children, and gave a charitable donation.
The players also travelled to Cape Town after the competition where they went sightseeing, including taking a cable car to Table Mountain and visiting Seal Island.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “Congratulations to the CAVC Rugby Academy for performing impeccably both on and off the pitch during their South African tour!
“We are all so proud of them for playing so well in a tough three, full-hit games in five days and winning so emphatically in two of them. Winning 15-17 and 3-17 in a climate they are not used to is such an amazing result.
“They were ambassadors for the College and I would like to thank them and all of the CAVC colleagues who supported the trip and helped make it such a resounding success.”
The CAVC Rugby Academy is made up of students from across the College who are studying a range of vocational and academic courses. The Academy provides a supportive and specialist environment that combines first-class coaching and sports facilities with the College’s wide portfolio of courses. Players can progress in their sporting careers while studying at the College and prepare for a future outside of sport as well.
Many players have also progressed to play for their region and achieved national caps, with former players representing Wales U20s and Men’s Senior team.
To find out more about the CAVC Rugby Academy click here https://cavc.ac.uk/en/rugbyacademy