AROUND 330 future rugby stars will compete in the upcoming SPAR KZN Inter-District Rugby Tournament at Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg from Thursday, 21 to Saturday, 23 May.
The schoolboys’ rugby tournament enjoys its 20th edition, offering 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.
Tiny Coetzee, organiser of the tournament, who has taken over the helm from long-standing organiser, Louis Botha, said, “I am delighted to be taking the reins of this established tournament from the founder, Louis Botha, the former principal 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.
The areas represented are Northern KZN, Southern KZN, Durban Coastals, 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 fullback participated in this tournament,” added MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson.
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.
