Two St. Thomas University student-athletes are taking their passion for rugby to Africa.

Johnny Cullen, from Hampton, NB, and Justin Robar, from Geary, NB, are members of the men's rugby team. They will spend May 2015 teaching children in African communities the game of rugby through an organization called Bhubesi Pride.

Cullen, a third-year scrumhalf and journalism student, discovered the opportunity online through a friend. After submitting his application, he told Robar, a second-year back row for the Tommies and a psychology major at St. Thomas, to do the same. 

"I went to practice that night and told Justin, because I knew it was right up his alley," Cullen said. "He applied, we both went through the process and got selected eventually, after three interviews."

Only 15 people are selected each year for the program, which aims to unite communities, empower staff, and inspire long-term development through sport—something Robar and Cullen have experienced first-hand.

When Robar first started playing rugby in grade nine, he was struggling in school, but as he progressed on the field, he started to see results in the classroom. 

"I started playing rugby and my marks went up to 75's in grade ten. In grade 11 and 12, I was getting high 90's. That was all because of rugby," he said. 

"I know how influential rugby can be, so I want other people to experience that. I think sport is one of the biggest things that can make a difference in someone's life." 

During their month-long stay in Africa, their schedule will be fairly straight forward—breakfast, rugby, lunch, rugby, supper, sleep, and repeat. It's a schedule that wouldn't appeal to everyone, but Robar and Cullen are looking forward to it. 

 "I'm excited to learn more about rugby," Cullen said. "There's going to be so many different voices and coaching styles and I feel like I am going to take a lot away from that."

Before they pack their bags, Robar and Cullen have to raise $6,000 to cover the cost of the program, their 33-hour flights, and vaccinations. 

Although they aren't looking forward to the needles and travel time, they're more than willing to fundraise for what they believe is a very worthy cause.

"I think that sport can really change these kids, and I can't wait to share that with them," Robar said. "I've played football, soccer, hockey, everything, and there's no sport or community like rugby."

To find out more about the Bhubesi Pride organization and their efforts in Africa, visit www.rugbyinafrica.org.