Vlammies selected for tour to Ireland

The prestigious Danie Rossouw rugby week has come and gone, and this year for the first time an invitational team has been selected. Two learners of Hoërskool Bergvlam have been included.

Grade 12 pupil James Grace and grade 10 learner Tristan Louw were chosen out of the first team’s boys who participated in the tournament at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira during the Easter holidays at the end of March.

Moreover, now they get to go on an international rugby tour.

James said they didn’t really have their eye on the team selection, which is a first for the annual tournament. “We just played for our brothers next to us on the field.” Both were surprised to be included.

“We played against pretty good teams.” It was so unexpected for James, that he even arrived late at the announcement.

This prop only arrived at Bergvlam last year. So far his rugby career has often been interrupted, firstly by the family moving around and a change of schools.
Last year he sustained a spinal injury, causing him to miss Bergvlam’s semi-final match in the local league. However, now he is back playing the sport he loves.
Eighth man Tristan comes from a family of rugby lovers.

His grandfather Ernest Hartley played for the former Rhodesia and his uncle played in the Craven Week.

The 16-year-old has been playing for Bergvlam’s first team since last year.

Selected for their excellent performance during the tournament, they now have the opportunity to travel to Ireland in October to play against some of its best u/18 rugby teams as part of a 25-boy squad.

However, they each have to raise R25 000 which they would need to pay for the trip. It is a lot of money they say their parents do not necessarily have lying around.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We just want to play the sport we love,” Tristan says.

To get in touch, phone Debbie Louw on 078-578-6232 or Linda Brooks on 082-815-7588.