GLYR clubs go virtual as teams battle it out

During the course of the next 10 weeks, 22 Golden Lion Youth Rugby teams will go head to head, battling it out virtually to claim the title of the top team.

Affiliated to the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the chairpersons of each GLYR club came together to discuss how the sport could be kept alive at club level.

Edenvale Wasps chairperson Johann Joubert said at the moment only professional players are allowed to practise, leaving club players with not much to do.

“The Wasps tried hosting online training and fitness conditioning, but it wasn’t the same as the real thing.

“The various clubs tried social media campaigns and although they worked they petered out.”

ALSO READ:

Relief for Thopola as Chippa United prepares for the resumption of the 2019/20 season

Joubert said representatives from the various GLYR clubs came together at the end of July to discuss what to do next.

At the meeting, it was decided the clubs would host a virtual round-robin tournament over 11 weekends.

“It was all done with short notice and our first fixtures saw us compete against Roodeport and the Western Cubs on August 1.”

Now, some of our readers may be wondering how the teams competed with one another without actually setting foot on the field.

Joubert explained that instead of the players playing against each other the communities cast votes through a Facebook poll to decide the winning team.

“Voting opens at noon on the day of the ‘game’ and continues for another six days to the Friday before the next game day.

“Community members cast their votes on their team’s or the GLYR Facebook pages and the team with the most votes wins.”

Joubert explained that the voting system takes into account the points awarded for winning, drawing and losing.

On August 5, when the NEWS met with Joubert, two days away from the voting deadline, the Wasps had a fair lead over the cubs but were neck and neck with Roodeport.

At the end of the tournament, the winning team will be awarded R7 500 which will go back into the club.

Community members who participate in voting stand a chance of winning prizes.

“The goal is to get the community back behind the rugby clubs.”

Joubert said despite the short notice of the first games there was a large interest from community members online.

“Although we can’t have our actual season let’s still take the time to enjoy the sport.”

Because votes are connected to Facebook accounts, each user only has one chance to vote.

Joubert said several users were caught out trying to cheat the system after they created additional Facebook accounts.

Joubert urged Edenvale Rugby fans to get involved and support their hometown team.

To stay up to date on the Wasps fixtures and the tournament, visit their Facebook page.