Local rugby players to compete down under
Five Bears Rugby League Club players were recently selected to travel to Australia to join the South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos.
The South African Rugby League (SARL) national team, The Rhinos, will be looking to increase their world ranking when they take on Italy.
The match will be played in Australia on October 12 and five members of the Germiston-based Bears Rugby League Club have been selected to join the team.
Andries van der Merwe, Marcelle Viljoen, Robin Howell, Zach van Loggenberg (who have all played in the squad before) and Dieter de la Port were scouted for the team during their club matches.
“A number of the players scouted have been selected before so we know what is expected of us,” explained van der Merwe, who has been selected for the fourth year on the trot.
The quintuple will leave for Australia to join the rest of the team on Saturday.
“The Rhinos team this year is largely made up of heritage players, which means they have roots or family members in South Africa but they reside in Australia.
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“Rugby league is a recognised sport in Australia with many people playing it professionally so the inclusion of the players based there is a huge advantage and support for us.
“We will join the team, who are already training, on October 8, and get straight into training to prepare for the match,” said van der Merwe.
Though excited, van der Merwe is nervous, as the match is a must-win for the team, as they aim to better their world ranking.
“This match is all about increasing out world ranking.
“We are currently ranked 32 in the world at the moment and Italy 13th.
“If we are able to beat them it will be a huge boost for South African Rugby League,” he explained.
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Van der Merwe further explained that there has been some growth in the sport within South Africa but not as much as overseas.
“Rugby league is becoming more popular and we are gaining more exposure through several different channels including government, which is great,” he said.
“Matches such as these and being part of such a diverse and experienced team will allow us to prepare for the World Cup which is in 2021 and the next Olympics, where rugby league will be included.”
For more information on the sport or to sponsor the players call van der Merwe on 076 565 0483 or send an email to andries.supey@gmail.com.
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