St Winifreds teens who are both Port Natal School head boys were selected for South African rugby teams.
Werner Haydam (18), the head boy at Port Natal High School, and Shane Dormehl (13), the head boy at Port Natal Primary School, made the cut for the SA AVS U19 and U13 rugby squads respectively.
They captained their respective AVS rugby teams in a tournament in Naboomspruit against 16 other provincial teams during the July school holidays, and were selected as the best players in their age groups.
Shane was selected for the SA team together with four Kuswag pupils, Kyle and Josh Forsyth, Nolan Dyer and Marcel Nel, who were part of the Natal Bokkies U13 team.
“It felt good to be selected,” said Shane, who played for the Bokkies U13 team last year as well. “The competition was tough and we had to play hard.”
Werner played for the Natal AVS U19 rugby team and was chosen as the flanker of the tournament. “It was one of the most defining moments of my high school career,” said Werner. “All the effort and hard work finally paid off.”
This was the first year Werner made the cut for a provincial side and the first time he was selected for an SA side. “It was like a dream come true when I heard my name being called and it brought tears to my eyes. I was extremely excited.”
The boys played again on 12 and 13 July in Pretoria against invited teams and won.
Werner will tour Russia with his team in September, while Shane’s team travels to Namibia. Both boys have the tough task of raising R25,000 for expenses. If you can help, contact Christa Dormehl on 082-653-9778.
“The competitiveness and the camaraderie between friends and representing my school in every match is what I love about rugby,” said Werner. “It teaches me discipline and the importance of team sports in life. It also offers me the opportunity to showcase the talent our God has given me.”
Werner will now have to select which university he will attend next year after the University of Pretoria and North-West University both offered him sports bursaries.
