Close to 700 houses in the Hout Bay area were destroyed, leaving up to 2000 residents homeless, and the secondary effects of the blaze are still being dramatically felt today.
The team first visited Hout Bay during the previous International Series, and head coach Geraint Lewis felt it was especially important for his squad to return in light of this year’s events.
“We visited the Hout Bay community last year to do some rugby coaching, so we were devastated to learn about the fires that took place here back in March,” said Lewis. “We were eager to return to the community on this tour to see how things were and to do some rugby coaching.
“It’s been badly affected by what happened, but we hope the young children who were at the rugby session enjoyed it – our players certainly did.
“As a team, our focus is naturally on rugby and the next game, but taking time out from that to see what people in this part of the world have been through certainly offers a different, much-needed perspective on things.”
Wales are looking to complete a clean sweep in South Africa for the first time in the tournament, having notched up impressive wins against SA Schools and England over the past seven days.
Wales v France will take place at City Park, Athlone at 11:15 (BST). The game will be streamed live on the S4C website and S4C Chwaraeon Facebook page.
Wales U18 return to fire-stricken Hout Bay
Before taking on France tomorrow in the finale of their three-match tour of South Africa, Wales U18 made a visit to an area of Cape Town ravaged by fire earlier this year.
