A SCHOOL rugby team going on tour to South Africa hopes it can make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.

Magdalen College School pupils are doing a pre-season training camp in Cape Town, South Africa, but want to leave their mark on more than just their opponents.

The squad is going to donate clothes and sports equipment to children in need, as well as learn about different cultures.

Head of rugby at the school, Grant Seely, said he thought the trip would open the eyes of some of his squad to a different way of life.

Mr Seely said: “We take every major sports team on a tour every three years.

“The last time the rugby team when abroad we went to France. We wanted to do a slightly longer-distance trip and given the time of year and the reputation of rugby in South Africa, we decided to go there.

“The is a lot of history there and a former Dragon School pupil Tim Conibear has got a project called Waves for Change, which aims to support children who have had difficult lives.

“The team are going to take some items to donate to them and get a bit of a cultural experience.”

A group of 26 pupils will embark on the 12-day trip on August 13, during which they will play against four games against schools in Cape Town.

They will also play a local township side and visit the famous Robben Island, where former president of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela, was imprisoned.

Some of the team are taking part in a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for the trip, as well as for the #IamAshleyJohnson campaign.

The campaign, by London Wasps, aims to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.

And on Sunday pupils will take part in the ride wearing wigs to represent the unmistakable hairstyle of back-row forward Johnson One of those taking part, Cameron Hill, 17, said: “We are extremely privileged to be going.

“This is a great opportunity we just have to make the most of.

“As a result we’ll be taking part in extensive pre-season training, as well as raising money with a bike ride for our tour and sports equipment for a township we’ll be meeting out there.”

Another, Theo Dale, added: “Not only will going to South Africa be a once in a lifetime experience, but we will also have the opportunity to give something back to the country that will be hosting us.”