JOHANNESBURG - The Under-18  Craven Week,   named after the legendary rugby player, coach and administrator  Danie Craven, has given rise to some great South African stars.
Khaya Mayedwa, community and PR manager at the South African Rugby Union said that Saru had set a very high standard for this year.

“The bar has definitely been raised and we expect a very good turnout this year. We are well prepared and ready for the event,” said Mayedwa.

While the Craven Week tournament will be taking place in Port Elizabeth, the rest of the country will be also be treated to  rugby action.

 The Under-18 Academy Week will be played in Wellington, while the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s is taking place in  Johannesburg this week.

Saru marketing manager, Sarah Mundy, believed that it was vital to continually develop and revive the tournaments.

“The youth of today want to be involved in exciting and innovative ideas,” she said, “and marketing the  youth weeks this way will motivate young people to become engrossed, participate and consume more rugby”.

Handre Pollard, a member of the World Championship-winning Junior Bok squad will be one of the high profile attendees among the 440 players from 20 teams, leading Western Province into battle when the 49th tournament takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“The decision to take the tournament to Port Elizabeth was influenced by the simple reason that the stadium  is one of the best and has facilities that are in great condition,” added  Mayedwa.

Ticket prices in PE will be R50 for a week pass and R20 for a day pass. For school kids in uniform with a chaperone it will be    free.