Lions’ rugby siblings

Two brothers of Helpmekaar Kollege in Parktown are the first siblings in the school’s history to be selected for Golden Lions rugby teams.

Ben (17) and James Clarke (15) were chosen for the U18 and U16 teams respectively following four weeks of trials. The boys have been playing rugby since primary school and hope to continue playing even after they have finished school.

During the trials, the boys initially competed in their school teams against other school teams. After the first games, individual players were put into teams and they competed in another five rounds of rugby.

“The trials did take long but it was really lekker because we got to meet a lot of new people,” said Ben.

Ben will compete in the U18 Craven Week and Academy Week at St Stithians College from 17 to 22 July. The boys said training with the Lions had been rigorous with extensive fitness training. ” We’ve been training almost every day for six weeks,” said Ben.

“It’s very different because you don’t really know anyone and it’s a struggle to play a team sport when you don’t know anyone but the more we practise the better it gets.”

Playing rugby has not been without its downsides as Ben and James have suffered injuries but they both agree it has not dampened their love of the game.

Ben plans on playing rugby at university after he completes his matric year and James will continue to play school rugby. Both boys are currently writing exams and said balancing school and rugby had been tricky. “It’s hard but I just do as much as I can, when I get home from practice I do as much as I can and do my best at school,” said James.

“It doesn’t really matter where I play as long as I’m still playing and having fun.”

Let us know if your child has been selected for a Golden Lions team on WhatsApp 079 439 5345.