At Student Horizons, we design immersive and meaningful tours that go beyond the sporting arena—combining high-level athletic competition with deep cultural insights and genuine community engagement. We were honoured to deliver this year’s Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) rugby and cultural immersion tour across South Africa—an adventure brimming with exciting rugby experiences, powerful learning moments, and lifelong memories.
Kicking off in Cape Town, the BBC First and Second XV squads quickly established themselves with victories against local opposition. These successes-built momentum and camaraderie as the teams headed to the headline event: the Independent Schools Rugby Festival in Pietermaritzburg, proudly hosted this year by St Charles College.
Throughout the festival, BBC’s squads faced some of South Africa’s well known schoolboy rugby sides. The BBC First XV rose to the challenge, showcasing skill and resilience to finish the festival undefeated—a testament to their teamwork and preparation. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers of the Independent Schools Rugby Festival and to St Charles College for their outstanding hospitality, superb facilities, and spirit of welcome that made the entire experience so memorable for our touring squad.
A further rugby highlight was the top-tier coaching clinic at the Natal Sharks Rugby Academy. BBC students immersed themselves in an elite training environment, led by professional rugby coaches, gaining invaluable technical skills, tactical awareness and a taste of South Africa’s renowned rugby intensity.
Our tours are crafted to deepen students’ understanding of the places they visit, and this itinerary was no exception. In Johannesburg, students toured the Apartheid Museum, learning first-hand about South Africa’s journey from division to unity. Engaging with powerful exhibits, the boys reflected on the country’s political and social evolution, and the role sport plays in reconciliation and nation building.
In Cape Town, the team experienced the natural wonders of the Cape Peninsula on a full day Cape Point tour—standing at the iconic Cape of Good Hope and spotting wildlife on the coast. These moments of wonder and exploration gave students a chance to bond, reflect, and make memories beyond the rugby field.
One of the most impactful experiences of the tour was the delivery of a rugby coaching clinic in Lagunya Township alongside the inspiring Sakumzi Rugby Organisation (SRO). Founded by Sakumzi Vapi, SRO is dedicated to supporting local children—boys and girls—by providing pathways and a sense of belonging through rugby.
With BBC players and coaches partnering directly with SRO’s young athletes, the clinic was filled with energy, laughter, teamwork, and mutual appreciation. Friendship and respect grew quickly, as BBC students shared drills and skills while SRO’s athletes shared their passion, tenacity and local pride. Meaningful collaborations like this embody the ethos of our tours: using sport as a bridge across cultures and a catalyst for personal growth.
Every moment—whether in fierce competition or reflective learning—contributed to the growth of these students as confident, empathetic, and globally-minded young men. We at Student Horizons are immensely proud to have played a role in their development, and grateful for the opportunity to deliver such a transformative journey.
A sincere thank you to the families, staff, and players who placed their trust in us; to the Natal Sharks Rugby Academy and Sakumzi Rugby Organisation for their collaboration; and especially to the Independent Schools Rugby Festival and St Charles College for setting the stage for an unforgettable rugby experience. Your warm hospitality and commitment to schoolboy rugby are what make these tours so special.
Student Horizons—enriching education through inspiring tours and unrivalled experiences.
Welmar du Plessis – Director of Rugby, Brisbane Boys’ College
As Director of Rugby at Brisbane Boys’ College, I’m always looking for experiences that elevate our program, challenge our players, and contribute meaningfully to their development, both on and off the field. Our 2025 Rugby Tour to South Africa, delivered by Student Horizons, achieved all of that and more.
From a rugby development standpoint, the tour was world class. The level of opposition, the variety of playing styles, and the intense rugby culture in South Africa provided our boys with a rare opportunity to grow technically, physically, and mentally. Every fixture was competitive, and the learning outcomes for our coaching staff and players were significant.
Equally the logistical execution from training schedules and field bookings to accommodation and meals was seamless. That allowed our staff to focus on coaching and mentoring without being bogged down by operational stress. Their understanding of the needs of a high-performance rugby program was clear throughout the process.
Beyond the rugby, the cultural and team-building experiences, whether it was visiting local communities, game drives in the game reserve, or standing atop Table Mountain, enriched the tour beyond measure. These moments deepened team connection and built resilience, humility, and perspective in our players.
This tour will leave a lasting legacy within our program. I commend Student Horizons for their professionalism and strategic alignment with our vision, and I would strongly recommend them to any school looking to deliver a truly meaningful rugby tour.
