Wesley jets off to Italy to take part in rugby tour

Wesley Reece van der Merwe (16) is a talented rugby player from Ladysmith who has been selected for the U/16 VKB International Rugby Tour to be held in Italy in December. He will be boarding a plane on Sunday (December 1) to leave for the tour.

Currently a learner at Voortrekker High School in Bethlehem, Wesley was selected by a panel of professional selectors based on his exceptional performances during a rugby tour in Frankfort, where he played for Oud Skoliere Rugby Club.

Wesley will have the opportunity to travel to Venice, Lignano, Treviso, Trento, Ronchi and Maranello on the upcoming rugby tour. The tour will offer him not only sporting opportunities outside of South Africa, but also an experience of life abroad.

Being selected for the tour is something very big indeed for young Wesley, as he is the only learner to be selected from his school. Wesley, now in Grade 10, started playing rugby in Grade 1 and has always had a passion for the sport… and he says he always will.

He was lucky enough to receive a bursary to attend Voortrekker High School. Wesley needed help in the form of sponsorship to raise funds for him to make his dream a reality and everyone came to the party.

Also read: Warning: Police warn the public not to carry around large sums of cash

Also read: Stay alert when using ATMs or carrying cash so you don’t become a target for criminals

He would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individuals and businesses who helped him with sponsorship, as well as his parents for all their help and support.

Wesley will be part of the ‘Op die Platteland’ team that consists of players in the U/16 division from all around the country. He will be in Italy for the 10-day tour and will get the chance to play four matches.

Well done, Wesley, and good luck on the tour.

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or  for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!