Diggers makes history at 20th anniversary of Inter-Provincial Tournament
Local rugby club made their mark at the 20th anniversary of the Inter-Provincial Tournament with 38 boys, five coaches, and three girls being selected for the sides.
The 20th Anniversary of the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPTs) has become a historic chapter for Diggers Rugby Club. The club celebrated an extraordinary milestone, with 38 players selected across age groups from U13 to U18, five coaching staff members selected to lead, and a groundbreaking moment, as three Diggers Girls on Fire players were chosen for the girls’ sides.
This year’s IPTs are not just a celebration of two decades of provincial rugby excellence; they are a testament to the power of development, dedication, and the Diggers’ spirit.
Read more: Diggers outplayed by ruthless Wits attack
“This is a proud moment for the entire Diggers community,” said Jeanne Opperman, Diggers Jnr chairperson. “From our youngest players to our seasoned coaches, every selection is a reflection of hard work, passion, and the Diggers’ legacy, and having three girls selected, that’s history in the making.”
As the 2025 IPTs unfold, Diggers stands tall, not just as a club, but as a movement shaping the future of South African rugby. “Congratulations to all our players, coaches, and team managers. You’ve made Diggers proud.”
In a first for the club, three phenomenal athletes from the Diggers Girls on Fire programme have earned their place in the provincial girls’ squads. For the U16 Girls, Alexcia Lynn Ayub made the team, while Isabel Curtis and Isabella Rodgers were selected for U18s. Their selection marks a historic moment for Diggers, showcasing the strength of its female development pathway and setting a powerful example for aspiring young women in rugby.
Also read: Diggers difficult start in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge
The other 38 players selected are:
- For the U13 squad: Albie Haynes (Captain), Jake Meredith, Jordan Stow (Vice Captain), Josh Glen, Kyle Payne, Kyle Stewart, Luan Marais, Siyabonga Stan Luphahla, and Travis Lesar,
- For the U14 squad: Jayden Strydom and Tshedza Nematatani,
- For the U15 squad: Christiaan Johan Kemp, Ivan Zimmerman, Jaundre Bezuidenhout, Ruan Vorster, and Hayden Fry,
- For the U16 squad: Bryce Winstanley, Ethan de Bruin, Jonathan Haw, Lincoln Schutte, Marno White, Riyadh Appelgriyn, Sloan Kelso McNair, Thomas Hunt (Captain), and William Kyle Wolfaardt, and
- For the U18 squad: Alerick Rachstein (Vice Captain), Cameron Kourie, Christian Adams, Gavriel Kahan, Jack Teague Woolard, Jean-Antony Eblen, Kyle Sher, Ryan Niemann, Ryan Van Wyk, Tyler Maclennan, and Tyrin Crause.
Diggers’ coaching staff have also made their mark, with five members selected to guide provincial squads: Ndi Soboyisi – U13 backline coach, Joshua van der Linde – U15 forwards coach, Reinhardt Rachstein – U16 backline coach, Laura Green – U16 team manager, Keith Baillie – U18 backline coach & IPT head coach.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
