Any SA schoolboy can become a Bok champ
South African rugby’s professional ranks are no longer dominated by those who went to elite schools, as Springboks from various institutions are now World Cup winners, writes MARK KEOHANE.
South African rugby’s professional ranks are no longer dominated by those who went to elite schools, as Springboks from various institutions are now World Cup winners, writes MARK KEOHANE.
This weekend’s South African derbies in the Vodacom URC promise thrilling action but also highlight the rich heritage of schools giants Paarl Boys’ High and Grey College.
Rassie Erasmus says there is no excuse for club and school coaches who believe new tackle height laws for participation rugby are difficult to instil.
New laws to make rugby safer at school and club level were approved by the members of the South African Rugby Union at a general council meeting on Friday.
The sensational goose-stepping of a Grey College U17 sevens player caught the attention of DHL Stormers star Hacjivah Dayimani.
Rondebosch scored a late converted try to claim derby glory against rivals Bishops, while Garsfontein saved their best performance for last to win the Noordvaal Cup.
The second leg of one of the oldest school derbies in the country and most anticipated fixtures in the Western Cape – Bishops against Rondebosch – will bring the season to a spectacular close on Saturday.
Matches between lower-tier schools teams don’t make headlines, but there was an exception in the derby between Grey College and Paul Roos in Bloemfontein on Saturday when the U19G Grey flyhalf kicked a conversion for the visitors.
SA U18 coach Katleho Lynch praised his squad for the way in which they turned disappointment into happiness after they finished the U18 International Series on a high note against England.
Grey College shrugged off the absence of several SA U18 players to beat Paul Roos and cap off an unbeaten season, while Garsfontein and EG Jansen progressed to the Noordvaal Cup final.