Craven Week is back in town after 15 years!
This year's Craven Week for U/13s is hosted by the GLRU and Hoërskool Monument High in Krugersdorp on the school's grounds from June 27 to July 1.
The prestigious Craven Week tournament for U/13s is back on the West Rand for the first time in 15 years.
Over 800 players representing their respective unions across the country will do battle from June 27 to determine who will be crowned the U/13 young rugby kings on July 1. The hosts this year are the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) and Hoërskool Monument High in Krugersdorp.
To kick-start the tournament, a church service was held on Sunday night, June 26 where all teams, coaches, parents, and union chairpersons were welcomed and wished the best of luck. Conducting the service was former Springbok Jannes Labuschagne.
The towering lock forward of almost two metres, who played 11 matches for the Springboks between 2000 and 2002, not only encouraged the boys to give it their best on the field but urged them “to turn to God”.
He also spoke about his journey as a rugby player, tragic events in his personal life, and the horror end-of-year tour in 2002.
Jannes explained that he also played Craven Week at age 13 in 1989 but when he was 14 he lost his father in a car accident. He again played Craven Week at age 16 and made his debut for the Springboks in 2000 at age 23 against the All Blacks in Christchurch – a game the Boks lost 25–12.
Jannes, who went onto the field as a substitute, explained how tough it was to play against the mighty All Blacks in their own backyard. He sustained a serious injury in that game.
I broke my rib in the first two minutes but I gave it my best the last eight minutes and never gave up.”
Jannes then spoke about the tough end-of-year tour of Europe two years later, in November 2002, in which the Boks lost all three matches against France (30–10), Scotland (21–6), and England (53–3). During the England match Jannes received his very first red card.
“When I was sent off I hit the shower and of course I asked God ‘why a red card?’ He told me ‘I saved you from breaking your neck’,” said Jannes, adding he had a similar vision in London before the test match.
Don’t let rugby be your only identity. There is more to life than just rugby. You are already above the rest in the country but there’s more to your life. It’s what God says about your life that really matters, not what you or your parents think. Playing Craven Week, for the Golden Lions and the Boks didn’t tell me who I was but what I could do. It’s about what you can give. Worship, accept and acknowledge Him.”
Jannes also prayed that all players be blessed throughout the tournament, that there would be no serious injuries, and that the game be played in good spirit.
“May it be the best Craven Week ever.”
Proceedings then concluded in the Memorial Hall where chairpersons of the various unions were honoured with a gift from the GLRU’s Donna Lourens, followed by a light supper and drinks.
