Rugby festival boosts local economy

LOCAL businesses and communities stand to benefit from the positive impact of the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, which kicks off this Thursday, 2 April.

Regarded by many as the premier schoolboy rugby festival in South Africa, it has developed into a massive and well-organised event which has had a tremendous benefit to businesses in the Durban region and the Highway area in particular. More than 300 players participate, bringing with them several thousand supporters.

Local bed and breakfast establishments, restaurants, retail outlets and tourism attractions profit from the spin-off generated by festival visitors, as do local service companies providing food and beverages, medical support and supplies, security, signage and clothing.

A new initiative this year is outreach initiative ‘Boots & Balls’ which, in conjunction with the KZNRU Development Programme, will equip players from less privileged backgrounds with rugby kits and equipment. Those going to the festival are asked to take new or good-condition second-hand rugby kits and leave them in collection bins adjacent to the main field. All sizes of rugby shorts and jerseys, socks, boots, rugby balls, kit bags and any equipment would be appreciated, and contributions will be handed over during the closing ceremony after the final game.

This year nine of the 12 participating teams are from outside KZN. Each team consists of up to 30 players and support staff, with some sides travelling with a head coach, assistant coach, fitness coach, manager, biokineticist and physiotherapist. Many players also take their family and friends along, keen to enjoy the magnificent weather and all which the province has to offer at Easter-time.

Promising a feast of exciting rugby this year will be local teams Westville, Glenwood and Kearsney; powerhouse Grey College (Bloemfontein), Affies and Menlo Park (Pretoria), Dr EG Jansen (Boksburg), HTS Middelburg (Middelburg), Framesby High (Port Elizabeth), Selborne College (East London), Dale College (King William’s Town) and SACS (Cape Town).

There will be six fixtures on each of the three play days over Easter weekend: Thursday, 2, Saturday, 4 and Monday, 6 April. A match between three primary school teams – Highbury, Pelham and Umhlali Preparatory – and the KZNRU Ibutho U13 development team will kick off each day’s action.

Numerous food outlets and a refreshment tent will ensure spectators can fully enjoy the special family atmosphere. Entry is R20 for pedestrians or R50 per vehicle, with ample parking available.

Fixtures and festival information available on www.kearsney.com.