Jean-Di and Brandon are making history

They are included in the South African Rugby League (SARL) group that will be touring Australia from April 21 to May 4.
The SARL national team, The Rhinos, will play three matches in Sydney. This will be the first time since 1962, re writing the history books of this fast growing sport.

The Rhinos will be playing two international games and a friendly match.
The international games will be played against the Pacific islands (Niue) and the Philippines national squad. The friendly match will see The Rhinos meet up against Bass Hill Broncos.

The tour will give the visiting players an opportunity to get in depth development training seeing that they have their eyes set on the World Cup qualification earmarked for October in the United Arab Emirates with national rugby league clubs such as the Canterbury Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, Mainly Sea Eagles and Bass Hill Broncos.
“Here we will be receiving expert advice and training while on tour,” Jean-Di said.
He said what makes this tour exciting is that five what they call ‘heritage’ players will also be playing in the squad.
‘Heritage’ players are players who were born in South Africa but have relocated to Australia.

“Having opportunities like this will advance the development strategy of the local SA-sporting environment with another sport code such as 13-man Rugby League Code, gaining foot-hole on South African soil to assist youngsters to have more opportunities to represent their country later on international level,” said Kobus Botha president of SARL.
Jean-Di who is a teacher at Laerskool Taalfees has to juggle his time carefully.
He coaches the sevens rugby team as well as the Puma u.12 and u.13 teams and then he teaches Life Orientation for grades five and six.
“We have training sessions twice a week and over weekends in Pretoria. It gets hectic sometime, but a person quickly learns to adapt,” he said.
This will not be the first time Jean-Di wears the green and gold. He represented South Africa against England in the 2013 Rugby League Student World Cup.

Brandon is just as excited about the upcoming tour.
This is the first time he will be representing South Africa in this sporting code.
“I can’t wait to go to Australia, it is my chance to shine and show the scouts what I can offer the game,” he said.
Brandon, who is working as a diesel mechanic at a local mine, said he wants to show the Australians how sheep are sheared.
“I am going to play with all my heart and soul, I am going to give it my best and play to secure a contract for myself,” he said.
Brian Greige of Australia is coaching the Rhinos.
“He is very straight forward. Coach Brian brings a different culture and passion to the game. This is exciting times,” Jean-Di said.