13 players selected to represent district

Altogether 330 future rugby stars are hoping to shine at the upcoming SPAR KwaZulu-Natal Inter-District Rugby Tournament at Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg from Thursday May 21 to Saturday May 23.

The school boys’ rugby tournament enjoys its 20th edition, offering talented boys the opportunity to be selected for their province.

Six regions are represented at the three-day tournament, each region bringing three teams to converge for a feast of top-notch rugby.

Northern KwaZulu-Natal’s three teams include 14 players from Newcastle, spread out among under 12, 13B and 13A sides.

Organiser of the tournament, Tiny Coetzee, who recently took over at the helm from long-standing organiser, Louis Botha, said, “I am delighted to be taking the reins of this established tournament from the founder, Louis Botha. He was the former principal of Pelham Primary School, and fondly considered the ‘Danie Craven’” of this region and ran it for 19 years. I am deeply honoured to continue his great legacy in helping the organising team develop rugby in the province.”

The various selectors will be hard at work deciding on three teams to represent the province, the u/13A team going to the renowned Craven Week, the u/13B side will head to Sasolburg and the u/12s will participate in a tournament in Vryheid.

The areas represented are Northern KZN; Southern KZN; Durban Coastals; Pinetown and Districts; Zululand and the Midlands.

“Many players that these boys aspire to become one day have gone through similar development tournaments. A familiar face donning a Sharks jersey, Pat Lambie stood on these very grounds, aiming for the same posts that these guys will be eyeing out. I know that former Springbok great, Robert du Preez’s three sons also moved through the ranks at this tournament. Even Jessie Kriel, the current Blue Bulls full back participated in this tournament,” MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson enthused.

“We have high hopes for these boys. One of our country’s, and my personal great passion is rugby, and I am delighted that SPAR is supporting the future generations of this great sport. It is very encouraging seeing these youngsters enjoy the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle.”

The games kick off on Thursday with nine games on the programme. Teams go head to head on Friday with the finals and the awards ceremony, which will take place on Saturday.

The local players included in the squads are Huttenpark Primary: Erik Zietsman, Ruben Viviers, Tiaan Kriek, Pedro Filipi, Ryan Francis, Zak van Staden, Gerian Kock, Fernando Filipi, Muzi Madela, Sma Shezi, J. Janish and Storm v d Merwe; Arbor Park Primary: Gift Kunene; and Drakensberg Primary’s: Nkosi Zwane.