WATCH: The Alberton Rugby Club is hard at work for the new season
The Elande is preparing for the 2025 season with their first match scheduled for February 22.
The Alberton Rugby Club is hard at work in preparation for the 2025 rugby season. The home of Elande is in high spirits after a festive season break and there is optimism in team management.
Club players have already started training. The Alberton Record was invited to one of these exclusive training sessions to watch the players in action, on January 27, at Hoërskool Dinamika’s gym.
The session began with an address by the e club’s strength and conditioning coach, Derek Harwood, discussing what is expected of them during the session and informing them of the type of exercises they will undergo.
“Today you are all going to work off some explosive power, high jumps, upper body exercises for strength and we are going to do that through rope climbs, going up and down,” said Derek.
“I hope all of you will push yourselves to the ultimate limit. I want to see you push yourself to the point of tiredness and be able to withstand more training even when you are tired,” added Harwood.
@albertonrecord Alberton Rugby Club strength and conditioning coach, Derek Harwood, laying out what the training session will involve for #Alberton side Elande. Training took place at #HoërskoolDinamika
The training session is part of the club’s preparation for an upcoming match between the Elande and Valke, to be held at Elandsfontein Drive, the Alberton Rugby Club’s home stadium, in Alberton.
Scheduled for February 22 at 15:00, it is expected to attract dozens of supporters from all over Johannesburg south. Entry will be charged at R30 per person at the gate, which will include a free alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Entrance is free for children under 12 years old.
The Elande versus Valke match with see Alberton Rugby Club director, Shane Kirkwood, leading the Elande squad for the epic battle. The former Pumas skipper is excited to be back on the pitch.
“We are inviting all parents, their kids and friends to come watch some serious rugby on February 22. It is going to be a huge game for the boys and they have put in so much work. We would love the support,” said Kirkwood.
