On 13th July, 35 Senior and Sixth Form pupils, accompanied by five staff members, departed for an unforgettable rugby and cultural tour across Australia and Malaysia — marking King’s first return to the Southern Hemisphere since 2017.
The tour featured two competitive squads who played ten fixtures against top-tier opposition, including a standout victory over Terrace School QLD, showcasing the strength and spirit of King’s rugby. The trip was timed to coincide with the prestigious British and Irish Lions Tour, allowing the group to attend the first Test match in Brisbane against the Wallabies — a historic first for any King’s tour, the school were also confirmed as the only British School to be touring Australia alongside the Lions.
The adventure began on the Gold Coast, where the squad enjoyed surf lessons and water park visits, with a morning of surfing in Surfers Paradise emerging as a particular highlight. From there, the tour moved to Sydney, where the teams faced some of Australia’s most renowned rugby schools from the GPS circuit, including St. Joseph’s, Gregory Terrace, and Nudgee College. Off the pitch, students soaked up the sights with visits to Bondi Beach, Manly Bay, a thrilling jet boat ride around Sydney Harbour, and a night at the NRL to watch the Sydney Roosters in action.
The final leg of the journey took the squad to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they competed against a nationally selected Barbarians XV. The cultural experiences continued with visits to the Batu Caves and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, rounding off the tour with a rich blend of sport and exploration.
Stand-in Tour Leader, Mr Pete Langley, reflected on the experience:
“This was a sensational trip of a lifetime. Not least because many of the staff had dreamed of watching the British and Irish Lions on tour since they were younger than the boys who travelled. To not only witness that Test Match but also see our students embracing every opportunity — from mixing with opposition players to experiencing their generous hospitality — was incredibly rewarding.”
The tour to Australia and Malaysia will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for all involved, and King’s continues to champion global sporting and cultural experiences. We have just announced the next incredible opportunity to tour Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in Summer 2027 and we look forward to showcasing the next generation of sporting talent throughout the season.
