Springbok trains new talent

As part of Rand Park High’s rugby coaching programme, the school invited Braam van Straaten – former Springbok Rugby fly-half, to spend two days coaching members of the U14, U15, U16 and U17 rugby teams.

Van Straaten spent time with the players in the classroom as well as on the field and coached them in kicking and defence skills on 12 and 13 September.

Farone Eckstein, deputy principal of sport at Rand Park High, commented: “Braam’s passion and enthusiasm for the sport was inspirational and the way he engaged and captured the attention of our players during the many hours spent together, was extraordinary.”

The school views these coaching sessions as an important investment in its rugby programme and its players, and looks forward to continued rugby success in the future.

“I was amazed to see how well these children did,” said Van Straaten about the time he spent with the teams. “They had an unbelievably positive attitude and passion toward the game.”

Van Straaten continued to state that his main aim was to teach the boys a deeper, more technical understanding of kicking and how to keep themselves safer on the field. “It’s very important for them to know how to become stronger in the contact sport.”

Also coming from a teaching background, Van Straaten concluded by saying that he is passionate about children and teaching them the technical know-how which to apply on the field.

“I take my hat off to these boys, they worked hard and really enjoyed their training with me.”

Details: Rand Park High School 011 793 1246 .