Become part of the rugby league action
The Bears Rugby League Club is on the hunt for new players to join the team for the new Rhino Cup League season.
The Rhino Cup League kicks off on September 1 and the Bears Rugby League Club is looking forward to a season of hard-hitting action.
“Last year we made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by just two points.
“This year we are ready to reclaim the title,” said club chairperson Andries van der Merwe with a smile when he visited the GCN’s offices on Thursday.
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The club that makes their home at the Elspark Sports Complex, located on the corner of Heidelberg Road and Egret Street in Elspark, and also plays some of their home matches at Bosman Stadium, in Brakpan, are eager for the new season which has seen the pool of teams grow from eight to 12.
“There has been some growth in the sport,” van der Merwe explained.
“Rugby league is becoming more popular and we are gaining more exposure through several different channels including government, which is great.
“Rugby league will be included in the next Olympics and I think this is why we are seeing more interest in the sport.”
Van der Merwe further explained that rugby league is now been introduced into colleges and schools which means younger players are being exposed to the sport.
“As a club, we would also like to grow and are hunting for new players to join our team.
“Our hope is to not only develop fresh talent within our own ranks, which already includes some seasoned players but to also help players to potentially be chosen as part of the national rugby league team that will travel to Australia later this year,” van der Merwe said.
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When asked to describe rugby league to prospective players van der Merwe said, “It is fast-paced and physical from the first to the final whistle.
“Though it shares similarities with rugby union, I believe rugby league is easier to follow and the supporters can be more involved in the match.
“League is also more social and even though it obviously is competitive, the environment is more relaxed and players and supporters interact after each match and no player is made to feel that their contribution is less important.”
The team trains on Wednesday nights, starting from August 22, from 6.30pm to 8pm.
“Rugby union will soon be coming to the season’s end so we encourage the guys to come play league and keep up their fitness,” van der Merwe said.
Interested players can find out more by calling van der Merwe on 076 565 0483, emailing to andries.supey@gmail.com or visiting the club’s Facebook page, Bears Rugby League.
Before leaving van der Merwe paid tribute to the club’s main sponsor Hennie Stander from Mahestic Pools Germiston, who is sponsoring the club for the third year.
“All we can say is thank you for the support Stander gives at every game and for being part of the rugby league culture,” van der Merwe said.
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