Brakpan dominated the action during the Springs Rugby Club Sevens on November 8, with the local Boxer Green side clinching the top prize after a thrilling 19–14 win over Vereeniging Red in the final.

Springs Rugby Club Sevens brought together 16 clubs who competed in various matches at the team’s home ground at Olympia Park on Saturday. The tournament featured 16 clubs that competed for cash prizes ranging from R5 000 to R10 000.

A member of Springs Rugby Club and event organiser, Gustav Brits, has worked with fellow organiser Louis Kruger for the past six years, along with other clubs, to bring the event to life.

He said the tournament is meant not only to bring the Springs community together but also to show that the town can produce greatness.

“Today is a combination of promoting local businesses and showcasing exciting sports action. The club needs exposure, and we want it to be recognised as one of the best clubs in South Africa,” Brits said.

He added that the event aims to showcase the talent in Springs while also highlighting the importance of unity.
Brits also spoke about plans to elevate the next year’s edition.

“Next year, we are planning to have 30 teams from provinces like Mpumalanga and the North West compete. The vision is to make it a festival that promotes Springs,” he said.

In one of the matches, Springs Rugby Club beat Brakpan’s Boxer White team 26-17. The team’s coaches, PJ de Beer and Francois Prinsloo, reflected on the game.

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De Beer said he is extremely proud of the players. He said, “The defence and attack were strong throughout the game.” Prinsloo praised the boys for their tackles.

The opposing team’s coach, Fanie Kotze, said the players’ performance was weak in the first two games, but he saw improvement as the day continued.

“Some players did not pitch up when they were supposed to, and unfortunately, you cannot switch in the middle of the tournament when you should have been there from the start.

“They are here for the love of the game; they are human, so they are going to make mistakes. The important part is to grow from those mistakes,” he said.

Despite the victory, the home team did not qualify for the final match, which was between Vereeniging Red and Brakpan’s Boxer Green team. Boxer Green secured a 19-14 victory, earning the top title and a R10 000 cash prize, while Vereeniging won second place with a R5 000 cash prize.

Third and fourth places went to Nigel and WAPC, fifth place to Bomb Squad, and sixth place to Alberton. This marked Brakpan’s third victory in the Sevens tournament.

To celebrate their victory, the winning team wrote on their Facebook page, “Our Boxer Green team delivered a beautiful performance. The men played impressive rugby and tackled each game with character.

“It’s a great privilege to watch this group of players grow together and carry each other on and off the field. We are proud of you, not only for the results, but for the way you reached them.”