Day 3 - Cape Point

A mass of girlish squeals filled the RPC this cold, windy morning as Shiplake boys jumped in the outdoor pool for their recovery session. (Mr Cane-Hardy managed a 15-second dip before “losing all feeling [his] legs” and clambering out.)

The group excursion for the day was to Cape Point, the most southern tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Along the way we stopped off at various coastal bays along the Cape Peninsula including Boulders Beach, home to a colony of miniature penguins. We then arrived at Table Mountain National Park to start a blustery uphill walk to Cape Point lighthouse and viewing area.

Feeling windswept but invigorated we jumped back on the bus to get some of the “best fish and chips in the Cape” at the quaint seaside village Simons Town. Then, after some free time to walk off the deep-fried hake, the coach headed home to the Rugby Performance Centre (cue team nap).

After some room-tidying time and a hearty dinner, Mr Beckett and Mr Cane-Hardy took a high-intensity gym session for the squad while the team’s professional physio, Paul Holmes, attended to any injuries.

Early night.

Day 2 - Match 1 & Langa Township, Cape Town

A great day. Started with a 46-7 win against Riebeek Valley School XV. Many of Shiplake’s trys came through their greater physicality and power over the opposition. Fantastic to see some home supporters in the stand (the Arbuckles, Laphams and Platos) who were welcomed to the after-match braai (barbecue) and presentation. 

Tries: Davis, Thomas, Law, Glover, Pearce (2), Wright, Waldron
Cons: Thomas (3)

In the afternoon we headed into central Cape Town to pick up our guide for a tour of the outer-city townships. A thought-provoking experience. Our guide, himself a township resident, lived through the apartheid segregation in 1983 and recalled the day when police came to remove his family from their home. He was shot twice in the legs for resisting and although he walks perfectly now it is clearly a painful memory to retell. This, among other facts and stories, gave us an insight into township communities. 

We were taken through the major townships of Langa, Nyanga and Kayelitsha where we were told, despite poverty and vast unemployment, there is a strong sense of community and support. The coach stopped off in Langa township where Shiplake boys had the opportunity to meet a few residents and give out mini rugby balls, colourful stationary and activity books to a group of excited children (who also turned out to be world-class hagglers).

A delicious dinner was served at a restaurant in the township while a ‘very cool’ local band played cultural music on glockenspiels and drums. In fact, as it was David Plato’s  17th, everyone sang a special edition of Happy Birthday accompanied by the soulful voices of the kitchen ladies who emerged especially for the song.

Then it was back to the V&A waterfront for a drink before the bus journey back to RPC.