LOCAL lads are gearing up for the upcoming SPAR KZN Inter-District Rugby Tournament at Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 May.
The Durban players will be among 330 future rugby stars who have hopes of shining at the tournament.
In its twentieth year, the school boys’ rugby tournament offers talented boys the opportunity to be selected for their province. Six regions are represented at the three day tournament, each region bringing three teams to converge for a feast of top notch rugby.
Organiser of the tournament, Tiny Coetzee said, “I am delighted to be taking the reins of this established tournament from the founder, Louis Botha, the former principle of Pelham Primary School, and fondly considered the ‘Danie Craven’ of this region, who ran it for 19 years. I am deeply honoured to continue his great legacy in helping the organising team develop rugby in the province.”
The various selectors will be hard at work deciding on three teams to represent the province, the U13A team going to the renowned Craven Week, the U13B side will head to Sasolburg and the U12s will participate in a tournament in Vryheid.
Local players will join representatives from Northern KZN, Southern KZN, Pinetown and Districts, Zululand and the Midlands.
“Many players that these boys aspire to become one day have gone through similar development tournaments. A familiar face donning a Sharks jersey, Pat Lambie stood on these very grounds, aiming for the same posts that these guys will be eyeing out. I know that former Springbok great, Robert du Preez’s three sons also moved through the ranks at this tournament. Even Jessie Kriel, the current Blue Bulls full back participated in this tournament!” MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson enthused.
The games kick off on Thursday with nine games on the programme. Teams go head to head on Friday with the finals and the awards ceremony taking place on Saturday.
