THE Da Camara brothers and rugby players for Amanzimtoti High School’s U15 team represented Natal at the Bokkieweek in Kroonstad during the school holidays.
This marked their second participation in the event, where they highlighted the tournament’s role in shaping players’ understanding of rugby’s intensity and gameplay, compared to school level.
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“Bokkieweek allows everyone to compete and gives players a different mindset on how rugby is played. It’s where you decide if rugby is for you and what positions work best for you,” they said
Connor, 15, played for the U16 team and had a standout performance with a beautiful try in the finals and a crucial winning conversion kick in another game.
“Although it was a bit intimidating playing against older age groups, I wasn’t scared to go in for a tackle. I have improved so much compared to last year, and this is all because of Bokkieweek,” he said.
Thorne, 14, played for the U14s and was again named man of the match this year and served as the team’s vice-captain. At the end of the tournament, he was selected for the SA Bokkie U14 team, which will tour Namibia at the end of September. “The competition was intense but exciting. I’m now looking forward to representing my country,” he said.
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The brothers’ journey to rugby began in primary school when their father encouraged them to try the sport, despite being ‘soccer boys’. “The more we practised and understood the essence of the game and its tactics, the more passionate we became,” they said.
Connor even credits rugby for making him tougher, viewing it as a physical release and an opportunity to lead his school team as captain.
“We love being able to play on the field together and share a lot of special memories. We understand each other, I don’t need to tell him my next move because he already knows,” said Connor, adding that there is some healthy competition when it comes to who had the best tackle or kick.
Both of them also play for the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club and aspire to play rugby professionally.
To make Thorne’s dream a reality, consider donating towards his trip by using the following banking details: Afrikaner Volkseie Sport, ABSA, account number: 0800155746, branch code: 632005, reference: R14 Thorne Da Camara.
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