IN the past year, the Bluff community would’ve seen the darkness that surrounds Harlequins Rugby Club, but as the saying goes “there is light at the end of the tunnel”.
The electricity will be restored soon and a lot more positive changes are happening.
The committee will focus every effort on restoring the club to being a family place it was always intended for. Certain issues in the past and bad business decisions set the club on a downward spiral. Those responsible have been removed and have no affiliation with Harlequins going forward.
Once a premier division rugby team, Harlequins currently plays in the first division but the intention is to be back up in the premier division soon, representing the Bluff club in KZN’s elite rugby competition.
Wesley Slabbert, Harlequins’ new rugby chairman, has appointed a new head coach of the first team, Devan Dippenaar, who will be assisted by Charl Bezuidenhout. Also new to the coaching team and back at Harlequins is Shawn Van Rensburg, a long-time club player, who will be head coach of the U20 team.
“Going forward with the new coaching team, we are looking to win the 2017 first division league and get promoted back into premier division. We want to be a team that people can be proud to play for. If you look at the current clubs in KZN, the Bluff itself has most likely 30 quality players who play rugby at other clubs throughout Durban who aren’t helping their local team be the quality they can be and get back to top-level rugby. They will have something to say about the club being in first division, yet none have actually come to make a positive contribution in helping it get to the top ranks again. We urge all these players, come play at Quins and help us get back to premier division and put the Bluff back on the map. Come and contribute positively to the Bluff and the team. Harlequins has no revenue stream, so we rely solely on the fundraising efforts to maintain the fields and keep the club afloat. We currently have no confirmed sponsorship for the rugby team, but hopefully we can get the local businesses to support and help us keep the club doors open as there are high costs associated with fielding a rugby team. All sponsorship can be monitored with the treasurer who has an open door policy. He is ethical and can be audited at any time,” said Wesley Slabbert. “The Bluff needs Harlequins to stay open, not only for the rugby side of it but if the club closes, one can only imagine the bad that will happen with the land. Property values will decrease and it won’t be a good thing for the area. This is a reality we are faced with unfortunately. Any businesses that wish to get in touch and discuss ways they can assist, can contact me via email. Any members of the community who wish to discuss anything with me regarding the club can also reach out.”
Wesley’s email is wdslabbert@hotmail.com.
“We also urge the community to come down to the club and enjoy the facilities. There will soon be an operational kitchen where lunch can be bought, the pool area has had a mini facelift and is ready to use as well.”
