Sport is about to add another string to Dundee’s tourism bow with the launch of the Battlefields Rugby Resort, BRR.
Operating under the umbrella of Battlefields Country Lodge, BRR hosted their first visitors this weekend from St Charles College, Pietermaritzburg.
Battlefields Country Lodge have built two impressive rugby fields and one soccer field, complete with lighting and soon, stands and change rooms.
Under seasoned sports tourism marketers, Ralph and Kirdie Crump, hopes are high that especially rugby will bring a whole new sector of visitors to the area.
Ralph, a New Zealander, has been in the rugby tourism business for years and has worked at the highest level , helping co-ordinated visitors to the country by New Zealand Super Rugby teams likes the Crusaders and Chiefs.
Having played rugby and worked in a country town in France for 20 years, Ralph and his South African wife have a passion for helping develop sport in small towns like Dundee.
“We do not want to operate in isolation here – we are keen to reach out to the Northern KZN Rugby Union and local teams. It would be great if our effort here assists in giving local rugby a boost too.”
Over 70 St Charles College boys – including the under 14, 15 and 16 teams and their coaches – spent the weekend at BCL – undergoing a vigorous pre-season workout.
The facilities and tranquil setting impressed Rowan Irons – St Charles Sporting Director – who commented that the College hoped to make an annual pilgrimage up here.
BCL’s general manager, Dave ‘O Halloran, and Ralph are excited that it is no just a dream that tops teams like the Crusaders may use BCL as a stop over and training facility during their South African visits. “From my wide experience the facilities here are certainly up to scratch and the rural setting with modern amenities make BCL a one-stop resort; teams would appreciate the personal touch rather than the sterile city hotels.”
Dave said the new venture would bring in a new kind of visitor and bring with it, a new insight into sports development.