Earlier this term, five student-athletes from Reddam House Bedfordview represented South Africa at the 2025 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup at the University of Limerick in Ireland.
One of the largest and most prestigious youth Touch rugby competitions globally, the tournament welcomed more than 40 teams from 12 countries.
Capped as SA Junior TouchBoks, the five Reddam House students—Amy Sarah Carr (Grade 12), Xena Alma Pilling (Grade 10), Ashleigh De Bruin (Grade 10), Jordan Connor Johnstone (Grade 11), and Jody Wayne Copeland (Grade 12)—competed at the highest level of their sport, showcasing skill, discipline, and teamwork on an international stage.
The divisions in which the students played were:
• Amy Carr – Ladies U18 (Bronze medal winners)
• Xena Pilling – Mixed U18
• Ashleigh De Bruin – Mixed U20 (Bronze medal winners; awarded Player of the Match three times)
• Jody Copeland – Mixed U18 (Team Captain)
• Jordan Johnstone – Mixed U18
The Journey to Excellence: Competing on a Global Stage
Achieving success at the highest level of sport requires dedication, grit, determination, and talent. “At Reddam, we strive to provide top-quality coaching, and all our coaches have competed at either Provincial or National level. Combined with a refined Sports Psychology and High-Performance training programme, our players are given the ideal platform to step up to the next level,” said Marius Venter, Head of Sport at Reddam House Bedfordview.
For Amy Carr, competing at this level was a dream realised. She says, “I felt so honoured and proud to be selected for the world’s largest Touch rugby tournament. The highlight was reaching the semi-finals and winning bronze with my team. We worked really hard and came home with something to show for it.”
Commenting on the step-up in intensity and strategy at international level, she says, “The game is much faster, and recovery between matches is critical. You also have to make quick decisions and communicate constantly with your team.”
Ashleigh De Bruin played a vital role in securing bronze for the Mixed U20 team and was named Player of the Match three times—an impressive accomplishment at such a high level of competition.
Xena Pilling, who played in the Mixed U18 team, shared that this was her first time playing mixed Touch at a competitive level, says, “The touches were harder and the game had more strategy. We beat Scotland twice, tied with Lebanon, and only lost to Wales by one try; they went on to place second. Being selected for drop-offs in the finals was a huge personal milestone.”
Jordan Johnstone, who also played in the Mixed U18 division, described the experience as both exhilarating and humbling: “The pace of the game in Ireland was like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Growing and learning as a team while still having a great time was the highlight for me.” Jordan expressed his pride in representing Reddam House and South Africa, saying, “I was ecstatic to represent the school that gave me a chance, as well as the country so close to my heart.”
Reddam values in action
Reddam House Bedfordview provided academic support and flexibility to help students balance sporting and school commitments. Amy Carr acknowledged the school’s understanding in helping her catch up on missed work and tests.
Stephen Hazley, Executive Head of Reddam House Bedfordview, praised the students for their dedication and leadership: “These exceptional students embody the Reddam ethos of excellence, perseverance, and global citizenship. We are immensely proud of their achievements and of the maturity they have shown throughout this international journey.”
Looking to the future
The experience has inspired the students to set their sights even higher. Amy Carr is working towards gold at the IPTs in October and hopes to be selected again for the next Atlantic Youth Touch Cup in 2027, while also focused on achieving academic excellence in her final school year. Xena Pilling is already training toward the Senior World Cup in 2028 and the Olympic Games in 2032, where Touch rugby will debut. Jordan Johnstone hopes to compete at the Men’s World Cup in 2028 and continue improving both academically and athletically.
Their collective message to younger students? “Take the first step, believe in your goals, and work hard even when no one is watching.”
