The sun blazed down and it was not long before the coaches and players were sweating on the B field at Mbombela Stadium during the second Puma Kidz clinic last Saturday.

It was hard work but when the session ended, 119 children aged three to 12, had improved their rugby skills, grown in confidence and had a wonderful time.

The children were divided in age groups and by 09:00 the coaches were explaining skills, helping those who did not get it right the first time, and heaping praise where it was deserved.

Coaches for the morning included Steval Pumas Frank Herne, Hennie Skorbinski and speedster Bernardo Botha. Scrum half, Reynier van Rooyen, who is on a injury-rehabilitation programme was also there to give back to rugby. Hoffmann Maritz warned the eager young players to take it easy on the half back, who is certainly closer in size to the participants than the likes of Hugo Kloppers.

After the hard work the kids had a chance to share a few words with the Pumas professional and amateur players and get autographs. Puma Kidz has been established to teach basic rugby skills to children under 12, and help them develop better concentration, discipline, tolerance and determination.

The programme for 2016 is in full swing. Enquiries:

082-567-0926.