When the Society was approached by Michael Owen, Head of Rugby at Haileybury to help make an exciting opportunity possible for a current Haileybury pupil, we were delighted to support Will with a £1,500 travel grant. The exchange offered him the chance to develop his rugby, experience a new culture and broaden his horizons at Bishops Diocesan College (Bishops), a school with which Haileybury and The Haileybury Society have long-standing connections.

During his six weeks in South Africa this summer, Will attended lessons at Bishops, boarded at the school during the week and stayed with a South African family at weekends. It was an opportunity to immerse himself in school life, experience the country’s culture and make friendships that he hopes will last a lifetime.

Discovering the passion for rugby

One of Will’s most memorable experiences was witnessing the extraordinary atmosphere surrounding schoolboy rugby in South Africa.

“Standing in the crowd of ten thousand people, hearing the cries of the schoolboys as they chant their school’s war cry, my senses were overwhelmed by the banging of the drums, the blast of the trumpets and the chaos of the cheerleaders waving flags of blue and white.”

The occasion gave Will a fascinating insight into the importance of rugby to the school and the wider community. He was struck by the passion of the pupils, the support of the Old Boys and the sense of pride that surrounded the match.

He also witnessed the emotional side of school sport, describing the disappointment that followed a first-team defeat and the powerful sense of togetherness as the school sang its traditional hymn, I Vow to Thee My Country. The experience highlighted the strong bonds between pupils, former pupils and the school they continue to support.

For Will, the exchange was about much more than playing rugby. It was an opportunity to learn from a different sporting environment, broaden his understanding of the game and appreciate the traditions that make school sport so meaningful.

Finding his feet in a new culture

Arriving in South Africa was not without its challenges. In his first few days, Will found himself feeling far from home and struggled to understand some of the accents. His first lesson in Afrikaans was a particularly daunting introduction to school life in a new country.

“With my first few days feeling slow and tedious I was wondering how I would survive living here for the next six weeks and began to regret my decision of travelling here alone.”

However, as the exchange progressed, Will found himself welcomed by those around him. His initial feelings of being an outsider gradually gave way to a deep respect for the culture and a genuine affection for the people he met.

He was particularly struck by the positivity and generosity he encountered during his time in South Africa. Visiting the townships gave him an opportunity to see a different side of life and challenge some of his own expectations. He also developed friendships with fellow pupils, including young people from the townships who attended Bishops.

One friend even gave him a Western Province cricket shirt from his playing days, a gesture that Will described as a wonderful example of the warmth and generosity he experienced within the community.

These encounters helped Will gain a greater appreciation of the different lives and backgrounds of the people he met, while reminding him of the importance of friendship and kindness.

Exploring South Africa beyond the classroom

Will’s adventure extended well beyond the school grounds. During a week of travelling around the country, he enjoyed a wide range of experiences, from safaris and cave tours to visiting ostrich farms and trying ostrich meat cooked on the braai.

His favourite experience, however, was kelp diving in the Great African Seaforest.

“This was an unforgettable experience, being able to swim among the kelp in the crystal clear water and observing all the incredible wildlife.”

The opportunity to explore South Africa’s landscapes and wildlife added another dimension to his exchange, giving him a chance to appreciate the country’s natural beauty as well as its people and culture.

Friendships and memories to last a lifetime

Reflecting on his time in South Africa, Will described the experience as one that had broadened his horizons, challenged him and introduced him to people he hoped would remain friends for life.

“I truly loved my time in South Africa meeting wonderful people who I am sure will be friends for life and look forward to returning in the future.”

The Haileybury Society was delighted to help Will take part in this memorable experience. His exchange is a wonderful example of how sport, education and travel can come together to encourage personal development, cultural understanding and new opportunities.

We hope that the friendships, experiences and lessons Will gained during his time at Bishops will stay with him for many years to come.

The Haileybury Society wishes Will every success as he continues his rugby and educational journey.

Are you a young Old Haileyburian or a current VI pupil with an exciting opportunity to travel, study or gain new experiences overseas? The Haileybury Society may be able to help. Our travel grants support eligible young Haileyburians in making the most of valuable opportunities abroad. Find out more about the grants and how to apply here.