Local man takes on world record rugby coaching session
Eksteen says that the idea started as a joke after seeing a similar record made for tennis coaching in the UK, but that he soon realised it was something he could do.
A local man has set his sights on a world record for a coaching session.
Coach Martin Eksteen took boys from six to 18 years old through their paces over 48 hours in Pretoria West from Friday to Sunday at the weekend to set a Guinness World Record for the longest rugby coaching practice.
Eksteen said he was almost recovered from the gruelling session and was excited to have done it as well as proud of the boys that took part.
The world record attempt was threatened when rain began to fall within the first few hours before it cleared again.
Eksteen said the boys learned a lot, made many friends, and that he was impressed with their discipline and hardwork.
“These boys love rugby,” said Eksteen.
Eksteen said that the idea started as a joke after seeing a similar record made for tennis coaching in the UK, but that he soon realised it was something he could do.
“I wanted the training to be more than just a world record attempt, so planning for it began in August 2022.”
Sessions were split into different age groups, with u.6-8 boys starting at 18:00 on Friday, and the u.10s ending off the session at 18:00 on Sunday. Older boys were allowed to attend any of the sessions they felt they could take part in.
“I wanted the boys to get a quality coaching session. The sessions were planned so that the boys could get the most out of each session.”
Grizzlies coach De Wet van Heerden, who assisted Eksteen, said that he felt the coaches had learned as much as the boys over the weekend.
“All credit to Martin and what he brought to the table. The players really enjoyed it, there was so much that the boys hadn’t seen before or had the chance to practice.”
Francois Venter, the player who clocked the most hours, said that he had a ball in taking part in the challenge for the world record. “It was very fun, I learned so much from coach Martin, he is the best coach I have ever had,” he said.
Venter was still able to attend school on Monday despite midnight training.
“My favourite coaching session was the early morning session. At 02:00 there are less people and it is nice and cool, and it was an honour to learn from coach Martin in this time when he could spend most of it with the best players.”
Jaco Olivier, the owner of Grizzlies field where Eksteen was able to break the record, said that he was happy to work with Eksteen. “We are all about rugby and passion, and Martin has it. He has passion for coaching, and he showed it this weekend.
“Even if it was just staying awake for 48 hours, whether for a world record or not, imagine what he could do in a normal week.”
Eksteen said he registered with Guinness World Records in October last year, and would be anxiously awaiting validation of the record once the organisation has approved the data.
As for the future, Eksteen said that he would be preparing to tackle the record again. “Records are made to be broken, we will do it again” he concluded.
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