Ulster Rugby : Ballymena Academy Depart For South Africa

Ballymena Academy Depart For South Africa

5 July 2007, 9:45 am

By Paula Gunn

Ballymena Academy 1st XV Senior Rugby Squad have arrived in South Africa for their three week tour. They flew out to Johannesburg then transferred to Pretoria where they will be based for eight days.

During this stay they will play three matches:
1. St Albans College – Pretoria Friday 6th July 2007
2. St Stithians College – Johannesburg Monday 9th July 2007
3. Mamelodi Township Under 18 Wednesday 11th July 2007

After their match against the Township team, they will present their opposite number with a bag donated by Ballymena Borough Council which the boys have filled with kit.

They then will have a three day break at the KWA Vladwala Game Reserve following which they will transfer to Capetown.

There they will complete their three week tour with two more matches:
1. Rondebosch High School Wednesday 18th July 2007
2. Paul Roos Stellenbosch Monday 23rd July 2007

The Paul Roos game will be their test match of the tour as they are one of the top five teams in South Africa.

This will be an outstanding experience for these young men, and in addition to the quality rugby they will visit two Townships, the Apartheid Museum, Cape Point, Table Mountain, Robben Island as well as the three day safari.

They will also attend the Currie Cup Game between Western Provence and the Blue Bulls on Saturday 21st July 2007.