Two local rugby players have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of an invitational team that will be travelling to Germany.
The team will be in Düsseldorf from 1 to 6 May, and activities will include two games as well as a number of practice sessions that will tie in with the Bugbrooke Rugby Football Club’s annual festivities.
The 28-year-old Christo Kruger said he has been playing rugby since he was 12, and was a member of various teams throughout his primary, high school and university careers. “I also had the opportunity to play in training games against the Jaguares from Argentina, and was a member of the U/21 Lions amateur team,” he said.
And, although he has played for the Roodepoort and the Bobbies Rugby Clubs, he said he is not sure if he wants to join a club again, and explained, “I am also participating in the National Wrestling Championships this year, and except for the fact that I might be a little too old to play professional rugby, I might not have enough time to play rugby professionally. That is why these tours are so important to me, as it affords me the opportunity to remain a part of a sport that I love very much.”
After concentrating on his wrestling career three years ago, he decided to accept an invitation from the German rugby club last year. “I was joined by a team mate, and we went on a tour of England with the club where we played two games. We gained so much experience during this tour, and I really want to go again this year,” Christo said.
Christo will be joined by Jadim Olivier, 27, who will be joining the club for the first time. ” I have been playing rugby since I was in primary school, but had to stop for a while in high school because of injuries. I started playing again in Grade 11, and went on to join the Bobbies Rugby Club where I played in the seven- and 15-man codes,” Jadim said.
His biggest dream is to obtain his Provincial colours, and then move to England or America to play club rugby – and off course to pull the green and gold jersey over his head one day.
But, unfortunately, as with everything else in life, this opportunity does not come cheap. It will cost approximately R40 000 per player. “This includes flights, accommodation, spending money, and rugby kit (which we will be allowed to keep). We are really hoping that someone would be willing to help us out with a donation or sponsorship,” Christo said.
For more information, contact Christo at christokruger00@gmail.com or Jadim at jadimno1@yahoo.com.
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