Six months of pre-season training and friendly matches have built loads of excitement ahead of the new season at Diggers Junior Rugby Club.
The rugby season kicks off with a day of Golden Lions Rugby Union trials to select a team to play in the inter-provincial tournament. Hundreds of U13 players from 22 clubs across Joburg will descend on the Diggers fields on 13 July for a chance to impress the coaches.
The next Saturday, 20 July, will see four other clubs take on Diggers, and each other, for a another day of matches in all age groups except U14 and U15.
“We have had pre-season training and friendlies since January where we worked on building fitness and conditioning,” said Diggers junior chairperson, Etienne du Toit.
“Last year, Diggers had about 15 players represented in the union teams. As a club, we did well in our leagues although under the union we must not keep scores or record wins or losses. In general we did very well.”
Du Toit explained that Diggers’ junior and senior sections are undergoing a five to 10-year plan that involves using the junior section (which is 320 players strong) to feed the senior section and strengthen it.
“This means getting all our sides stronger, even the juniors. Still, our ethos is about having fun and building a family environment rather than winning at all costs.”
The club’s junior section has boys teams from U6 to U18 level. While girls play at the club, they do not have their own teams yet.
Du Toit hopes that if enough interest is shown this year, Diggers can form girls-only teams.
The chairperson invited anyone interested to either contact the club or come visit on the day of the matches on 20 July.
Details: Diggers Junior Rugby Club admin@diggersrugby.co.za; 079 889 4904; 082 686 3700.
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Diggers Rugby Club players give their all in practice and friendlies
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