| 17 August 2008, 5:07 pm |
| Excitement builds for the Tullow Oil touraid Cup |
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| Now that all the teams to travel to the UK for the Tullow Oil touraid Cup have been confirmed, the hard work can begin. |
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| Chester Williams coaches the Mogale Warriors from South Africa |
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For most of the touring teams, they are still learning to play rugby and the training has intensified. Despite the lack of facilities, kit and support all the boys are keenly anticipating their visit to the UK and the chance to play rugby, learn about a new culture and meet new and lasting friends. For many it is the case of learning a brand new sport and they have only been given a short time to get familiar with the rules and nuances of the game.
In the UK, the host schools return to school in early September and themselves only have a month to get reacquainted with rugby after nearly a year of summer based sports.
 The beauty of the Tullow Oil touraid Cup is that the host schools and touring teams do not play against each other but actually with each other. Learning to play together will be the hardest and yet the best part of the tour. This is something touraid have yet to try but combining the two teams will lead to greater integration and better communication between the hosts and tourists.
Many of the tourists are getting support from their respective Unions with coaching tips but a few of the lucky ones have also had visits from rugby super stars.
London Wasps and England star, Paul Sackey hails from Ghana and on a recent visit during the summer popped into see the Little Golden Stars and see how their training was coming along. Visits like these are invaluable to the children, not only providing them with hope and aspirations for the future but also providing some much needed rugby skills and coaching!
The Mogale Warriors from South Africa also had a rugby star at their training session recently when former Springbok and present Emerging SA coach and touraid Ambassador, Chester Williams visited. All the pupils at the primary school’s in Rustenberg - Bapo Primary School and Nkukime Primary School - got to meet the legend. In addition the team themselves had a wonderful training session helping them to reach new heights.
Over the next few months, Tullow Oil staff based in each country will also be looking to spend time with the teams, helping them to train and ensuring they are prepared for their trip of a lifetime.
For more details on the teams, their hosts and sponsors, please click here
Image: Children from Bapo Primary School and Nkukime Primary School
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| Author: Sarah Griffiths |
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