Three pupils from Kirkham Grammar School in Lancashire, Britain, are at Graeme College to participate in a rugby exchange programme. Joshua Woods, Jonathan Evans and Michael Simmons used to play rugby in the same Rhyl RFC team as current Welsh international player, George North.
George scored two tries for Wales against the Springboks in last October's Test match – and has sent a signed Wales jersey with the boys as a token of his gratitude to Graeme for taking care of his Welsh friends.
Three pupils from Kirkham Grammar School in Lancashire, Britain, are at Graeme College to participate in a rugby exchange programme. Joshua Woods, Jonathan Evans and Michael Simmons used to play rugby in the same Rhyl RFC team as current Welsh international player, George North.
George scored two tries for Wales against the Springboks in last October's Test match – and has sent a signed Wales jersey with the boys as a token of his gratitude to Graeme for taking care of his Welsh friends.
It was Woods's father, Simon, who mentioned to George that he and the boys would be visiting Graeme.
George offered one of his Welsh International playing shirts, signed, to the delegation as a goodwill gesture.
Simon Woods coached George as a young player, until he turned professional.
The rugby exchange between Graeme and Kirkham was a result of matches between the schools in Grahamstown, in July 2007, when Kirkham were on tour.
The exchange was the brainchild of Kirkham 1st XV coach Aled Trenhaile and Graeme staff member Pierre Jacobs.
It began in November 2007 when U15A captain at the time, Wikus Coetzee, and coach Pierre Jacobs, accompanied by his wife Lizelle, visited Kirkham Grammar School for three weeks.
Since then the exchange has run biannually, with Kirkham boys and staff visiting Graeme from mid-July to mid-August and Graeme boys visiting Kirkham Grammar School from mid-November to mid-December.
The idea was to expose the boys from both schools to different cultures, lifestyles, climates and – ultimately – playing conditions.
The intention is for the visiting players to share their experiences with their school during preparation for the following season.
Sean Condon, from Kirkham, participated in the Exchange Programme last year and enjoyed his time at Graeme so much that he is completing his post-matric at Graeme this year. The programme is considered prestigious and is sought after by boys from both schools.
