SEVERAL KwaZulu-Natal Touch Rugby teams had the opportunity to rub shoulders with and learn from the French Women’s Touch Rugby (+35) team last Sunday.
Virginia Preparatory School grounds played host to the touring side as the French took on the KZN U21, KZN A Ladies’ and KZN Ladies’ team in a series of games.
While there was an abundance of goodwill, the games also gave the local team a chance to test their mettle against serious opposition.
For the French team, the games were also used for preparation for this year’s Federation of International Touch (FIT) Senior Touch World Cup in England.
Claire Maujean, secretary for KZN Touch Rugby and coach of the U21 team, said she was honoured to host the French national team.
“Houda (Vernhet) who coaches and plays for the team has come to Durban before to train. She said she wanted to come back to Durban because of how competitive our provincial teams are. Her daughter has also spent time here previously. They are preparing for the upcoming World Cup in England, so this camp provided them the opportunity to try out new combinations and plays.
“As KZN Touch Rugby, we are so privileged to have them play us and train with us. The French team are all lovely girls, and we’ve had a lovely few days bonding and learning from them. Playing such quality players with real pedigree and calibre will only help benefit our team. Even though we are the U21 team, there’s no player older than 18, so this was a learning curving for the girls. We’ve also made a few connections off the field, and Houda also hosted a joint clinic with the KZN coaches which was fantastic,” she said.
The coach and player of the French women’s team said her team also benefited from the series of games, especially improving their fitness levels.
“We felt it was a good way to play in hot temperatures against quality opposition. Four years ago, before the World Cup in Malaysia, we also came to Durban to improve our fitness levels. The teams and the players are great and have been very welcoming to us. We’ve learned a lot from them, and we hope that will stand us in good stead for the World Cup. We are grateful to Claire and Olly (Maujean) and the KZN Touch Rugby Association,” she said.
After the game, the U21 team received their trophy and gold medals they won at the recent Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT).
The KZN team also gifted the French team a few tokens of appreciation.
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