Three cities and five matches in three weeks is the challenge facing three up-and-coming rugby stars from Pocklington RUFC, writes Claire Hughes.

Nick Bennett, Matt Davies and Nathan Priestley jetted out to South Africa this week as part of a 33-man Yorkshire Terriers squad.

Bennett, from Allerthorpe, ended last season as the second highest scorer for Pocklington first team after forging his way in to the side at fly-half, wing and full-back.

Davies, at Woldgate College, is a strong running back row forward, who was Yorkshire under-17s player of the season a year ago. Talented Bielby cross-code three-quarter Priestley has just completed a stint as Pocklington School captain, and is also a member of the Hull FC academy.

All three came through a two-year selection process for the touring squad for county, regional and national representatives at U17 or U18 level.

Cape Town will be the first port of call, where they will play Hermanus, Stellenbosch and Langa Township, where they will also coach some of the younger players.

A trip to Durban and the Super-12 Natal Sharks at the Absa Stadium follows, before rounding off the tour in Johannesburg against Northern Transvaal.

While in South Africa, the squad, who raised money through raffles and sponsorships to help meet the cost, will stay with families from the opposite teams to sample the different culture and also take in the country's wildlife and environment on daytrips.

They will return on August 3 to get stuck into pre-season training.

Updated: 11:15 Thursday, July 14, 2005