Duikers shine at interprovincial youth rugby tournament
The U16 Duikers manager said he was proud of his team for obtaining second place in the finals while the other Duikers teams brought home multiple medals.
THE KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union hosted a successful youth interprovincial tournament (IPT), showcasing rising talent across boys’ and girls’ teams from four regions.
The tournament, held at Kuswag Skool from September 23 to 28, featured fierce competition among the U13 to U18 teams from the KZN Duikers (Club Sharks), Lions, Blue Bulls and Valke.
Also read: Interprovincial youth rugby tournament kicks off in Amanzimtoti
Rudolph Havenga, KZN Youth Duiker tour director and chairperson, said the aim of the tournament is to support children and give them an opportunity to grow and obtain scholarships.
“They played their heart out and did us proud. We are currently working with the Pumas and other unions to join, as well as hoping to add an U15 Girls’ team,” he said.
Quintin Nagel, the U16 Duikers manager, said he was proud of his team that received second place in the finals against the undefeated Lions.
Also read: Amanzimtoti rugby players to represent KZN
“We knew we were in for a fight as the Lions were strong this year. The first half saw a low score of 5–5, the backline was on fire, and our front row defended like their lives depended on it. Coming into the second half, there were some hard hits and injuries on both sides. The Lions rounded it off with a 19–10 win, having scored a try two minutes into extra time. I’m so proud of each and every player in my team as they all had something special to bring to the field,” he said.
Nagel added that none of this would have been possible without the management and planning from dedicated individuals, the parents, supporters and players.
The results for the Duikers are as follows: U13 won gold, U14 bronze, U15 silver, U16 silver, U16 Girls silver, U18 Girls silver and the U18s placed fourth.
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