A young rugby player, Nick Craukamp, has been selected to join a team of top U19 players on an international rugby tour to Italy in December.

He now needs financial support to make the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible.

Nick has been chosen after participating in the VKB Platteland Rugby Week. He will join a specialised rugby team that will travel to Lake Garda, Venice and Rome, where they will compete in matches while also experiencing Italy’s sporting culture and opportunities.

The tour is organised by Travel and Sport, an internationally recognised sports tour operator and will cost R58 990 per player, including travel insurance and taxes.

Nick’s mother, Nicole Craukamp, said her son’s love for rugby began at a very young age.

“I can still remember his first encounter with rugby at Laerskool General Alberts when he was selected for Welpie Rugby. My partner, Simone, and I would sit next to the rugby field every evening in the cold, watching those little boys thinking they were Springbok players. I can still see the pride on Nick’s face. That feeling has never left him,” she said.

According to Nicole, rugby has taught her son discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Nick later moved to Wolmaransstad, where he continued his rugby career at Hoërskool Wolmaransstad while living with his father.

There he became part of the Luiperds rugby setup and continued to develop into a promising young player.

“Being selected for the Italy rugby tour is a dream come true. Rugby has been a big part of my life since I was young and this opportunity means everything to me. I will work hard to represent my team, my school and South Africa with pride. I am grateful for any support that helps me make this dream a reality,” said Nick.

Nicole and Nick’s father, Justin Gericke, are appealing to businesses, organisations and members of the public to sponsor or donate towards the tour.

Those who would like to support Nick may contact Nicole Craukamp on 083 374 3714 or Justin Gericke on 063 642 8586.