South Africa - 2025

Good morning everyone,

My name is Juan Ignacio Gherardi, I’m a 10th grade student, and today I want to share with you what our rugby tour to South Africa was like this past July.

For two weeks, 26 rugby players from our year group, along with three coaches, had the chance to live an experience that truly marked us for life.

And it was much more than just a sports trip.

First of all, we all worked hard to raise funds to help pay for part of the journey. That effort brought us closer together. We learned to divide tasks, take on responsibilities, and appreciate how much our families did to make it happen.

Thank you so much to all of you who helped us out, buying t-shirts, raffle tickets, or just being there. It really means a lot to us.

The group that left is not the same as the one that came back. Our bonds became stronger, not only with each other, but also with César, Sapo and Tonga. What incredible patience they had with us!

We also had the chance to explore cities in a country so different from our own. We went on safaris, came into contact with wild animals, and even went rafting. It was amazing.

One of the moments that touched us the most was visiting a temporary home for children in vulnerable situations. The kids living there were between 2 and 18 years old. Many had suffered domestic violence or had parents who couldn’t take care of them due to addiction or imprisonment.

We spent a morning at the home, and even though it lacked many basic things, the children welcomed us with joy and warmth. They took part in every activity with happiness, and their smiles will always stay in our hearts.

It was a hard reality to face, but it helped us appreciate even more the opportunities we have, some things we sometimes take for granted.

As for the rugby, we were really proud of our performance. We played tough matches against strong teams and achieved great results. After each match, we connected with the other teams and made friendships we hope will last over time.

We also received feedback from South African coaches, who treated us with great respect and professionalism.

We truly feel proud to have represented our School, confident that we carried the values we’ve been taught.

So, on behalf of the whole team, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you to our School, for giving us the chance to live such an unforgettable experience. To our families, for supporting us throughout the fundraising and being there for us at every step. To César Cat, Alejandro “Sapo” Lemes, and Bernardo “Tonga” Garat, thank you for your energy, your patience, and for making this trip truly one-of-a-kind. And to the entire Community of The British Schools, thank you. We’re proud to be a part of it.

To the future generations, I just hope you’re as lucky as we were, and that you get the chance to go on a trip like this, one you’ll remember forever.

Thank you.