Laerskool Kruinsig prioritises player safety at rugby clinic
Young players are trained to play safe rugby.
While winning in rugby is always a goal, player safety remains paramount.
Laerskool Kruinsig continued its Rugby Clinic for the second year, in partnership with Eight7 Rugby, on February 28, to teach young players safe techniques and strategies for scrums, rucks, and tackles.
Eight7 Rugby has been working with Kruinsig for two years, with a mission to ensure that players know how to protect themselves on the field.
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Minor or recurring injuries can have long-term effects, particularly for those aspiring to play professional rugby.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
Eight7 Rugby director JP Smith, a retired professional rugby player who spent over 12 years overseas with the ACT Brumbies and Queensland Reds in Australia, returned to South Africa in 2021 to play for the Lions before retiring due to concussions.
“The reason for my retirement is exactly why we started this programme,” Smith explained. “There is a shortage in player protection and safety at the junior level.
“Many young players lack the proper technique for fundamental skills. We focus on correct shoulder, head, and neck placement, conditioning around joints, and ensuring proper techniques in every aspect of the game.”
Smith added, “The game is getting bigger, the players are faster and stronger. Without proper technique and conditioning, injuries are inevitable. Our aim is to protect these young athletes for the long term.”
The programme is also supported by Kruinsig coaches, who actively participate and see the value in teaching players safe techniques.
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During the clinic, Eight7 Rugby professionals emphasised correct methods in tackles, rucks, and scrums, with special attention on head and neck positioning to prevent injuries.
Laerskool Kruinsig Head of Sports, Tommie Visser, praised the programme.
“The relationship we have with Eight7 Rugby is excellent. The mission is safety, so the boys learn to protect themselves while playing better rugby.
“This programme will benefit them long-term, especially for those aiming to play professionally,” he said.
Visser added that the school hopes to lead in rugby development, with this clinic helping players improve their skills safely as the season gets underway.
