Laerkool Kruinsig holds successful rugby clinic

Laerskool Kruinsig recently partnered with Eight7 Rugby to host a rugby clinic aimed at refining players’ skills and emphasising safety in scrums, rucks, and tackles.

According to rugby organiser Faan du Preez, the clinic was designed to fine-tune players’ techniques while fostering a safe and enjoyable environment.

“Various drills were conducted on the day to improve players’ body positioning, including scrumming and tackling drills,” said Du Preez.

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“The children were very excited and thoroughly enjoyed the clinic, which inspired them to improve their skills,” he added.

Du Preez also highlighted the involvement of the school’s coaches in the training sessions.

“Our school coaches participated in every drill and have already implemented these exercises into their regular practices to continue developing our rugby players,” he said.

Tommie Visser, head of sport at Laerskool Kruinsig, praised the effort and enthusiasm shown by the players, particularly the U-10 A forwards during their scrumming drills.

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“Sport has the power to unite, something we learned from former President Nelson Mandela. It also encourages positive behaviour in children by instilling discipline and focus,” said Visser.

He added that the school hopes to serve as a role model for the community by promoting these values and encouraging other schools to implement similar programmes.

“We aim to raise awareness of safety in rugby and look forward to partnering with Eight7 Rugby again in the future. We are considering making this clinic an annual event.”

During the clinic, professional players from Eight7 Rugby led drills focused on improving body positioning and injury prevention.

JP Smith of Eight7 Rugby explained that their selection process for coaches is highly specific, as they view rugby as more than just a sport.

“The bigger picture is being a role model for the boys, rugby is just the vehicle. We carefully choose our coaches based on how they interact with children because each child is different, and we must meet them at their level,” said Smith.

He emphasised the importance of breaking down drills to their fundamentals before building them up.

“We ensure the boys understand not just how to execute a skill, but why we teach it in a particular way. A strong focus on body, neck, and spine positioning is at the core of all our drills,” he added.

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Smith also highlighted rugby’s role in personal development.

“Rugby is a place where everyone can feel like they belong. In today’s game, players face a lot of pressure, which can take away the enjoyment.

‘You don’t need to play professionally to be part of rugby. It teaches discipline, respect, hard work, and dedication—skills that transfer into the classroom and everyday life,” he said.

Several professional players contributed to the clinic, including:

• JP Smith – Former player for the Stormers, Lions, Brumbies, and Reds.
• Ruan Smit – Former player for the Stormers, Lions, Brumbies, and Reds.
• Thurlon Williams – Former Craven Week and SA Schools player, currently contracted to the Lions.
• Ellie Meyer – Former Craven Week and SA Schools player, currently contracted to the Lions.
• Ryan Jack – Former Craven Week and SA “A” player, currently contracted to the Lions.
• Keagan Smith – Currently contracted to the Lions.
• Christopher Sjoblom – Currently contracted to the Lions.
• Ndibulele Soboyisi – Respected skills, kicking, and backline coach.
• Henry Payne – Former South African touch rugby player.
Parents and community members who attended the clinic provided positive feedback, expressing excitement over the impact of the training sessions.
Laerskool Kruinsig hopes to build on the success of the event by continuing to develop its rugby programme and further promoting sports development within the community.