When an Aylesbury Grammar School rugby tour arrived in South Africa this summer, it provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with an Old Aylesburian who has made his home there.

Alan Ashworth (Phillips ’72) was delighted to discover that the touring party would be playing Durban High School - just 30 minutes from where he now lives. Having learned his rugby at AGS before going on to represent Buckinghamshire, university and county sides, Alan knows only too well the lasting impact that school sport can have.

His own rugby journey eventually took him to Southern Africa, where he continued to play at Provincial level while building a career in the mining industry. So when the current generation of Aylesbury rugby players arrived in Durban, it was a particularly special opportunity for Alan to meet them, share stories and see the school’s rugby tradition continuing.

Here, Alan reflects on the tour, his own playing days and the enduring values of rugby.

A few words from an Old Aylesburian

What a pleasure it was to hear that my old school, Aylesbury Grammar School, would be undertaking a rugby tour to South Africa this year. Even better, when I contacted Alison Cox in the school’s alumni team for a few details, I discovered that the boys would be playing Durban High School - just 30 minutes from where I now live!

I was therefore delighted to make contact with Chris Duggan, who was accompanying the touring party, and arrange to meet everyone at the matches in Durban.

Although the results didn’t go Aylesbury’s way on the day, I was hugely impressed by the commitment and spirit of the visiting players. I also thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Chris and some of the “walking wounded” who were unable to play, and it was a real pleasure to meet the current generation of Aylesbury rugby players.

Having learned my rugby at AGS, I went on to represent Buckinghamshire at school level, followed by university and county rugby. Rugby played a hugely important role in my life. It taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, resilience and friendship, while also opening many doors and giving me wonderful opportunities to travel.

Most importantly, rugby played a significant part in my journey to Southern Africa, where I continued to play rugby at Provincial level whilst building my career in the mining industry.

Looking back, some of my fondest memories and friendships came through rugby. Although the game has changed considerably since my amateur playing days, the things that really matter haven’t - teamwork, camaraderie, respect and enjoying the privilege of being part of a team.

I sincerely hope that everyone who toured South Africa this year had a fantastic experience, both on and off the field. I hope they enjoyed the rugby, embraced the opportunity to experience a different country and culture, and perhaps came away with some memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

And who knows - perhaps some of those young Aylesbury players I met in Durban will one day be telling their own stories about where rugby took them!

Enjoy the memories, boys - and keep playing!

Alan Ashworth (Phillips ’72)