For 18-year-old Gershwin Madumo from Kibler Park, rugby has become more than just a sport. It is a passion he hopes will one day lead to a professional career.

The Grade 12 learner at Waterstone College has been selected for the BRSI Bulldogs Rugby Tour Ireland 2026, where he will travel to Ireland in December for a 10-day tour after being identified by selectors as one of the country’s promising young players.

Now, Gershwin and his family are appealing to businesses and the community to help raise the R70 000 needed to cover flights, accommodation, transport, meals and tour activities.

A dream built through hard work

Gershwin first picked up a rugby ball in primary school after his mother encouraged him to give the sport a try. Although he initially enjoyed being with his teammates more than the game itself, everything changed when he returned to rugby in high school.

“I developed a passion for it. I loved the teamwork, the community, the atmosphere and everything about the game,” he said.

Since then, he has earned a place in Waterstone College’s first rugby team, where his versatility has earned him the nickname ‘Swiss Army Knife’ because he can play fly-half, centre and flank.

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For 18-year-old Gershwin Madumo from Kibler Park, rugby has become more than just a sport. It is a passion he hopes will one day lead to a professional career. The Grade 12 learner at Waterstone College has been selected for the BRSI Bulldogs Rugby Tour Ireland 2026, where he will travel to Ireland in December for a 10-day tour after being identified by selectors as one of the country’s promising young players. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

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Earlier this year, Waterstone won a tournament where Gershwin caught the attention of scouts.
“I didn’t think I’d be one of the players to get scouted. When my coach called my name, I couldn’t believe it. My friends started clapping for me and I experienced tears of joy for the first time in my life.”

The Ireland tour will allow him to compete against international teams, attend coaching clinics and gain experience abroad.

“I’ve never been overseas before. It would be amazing to learn more, meet new people and bring that experience back to South Africa. Hopefully, one day I can play professionally.”

Family hopes the community will help

Gershwin’s mother, Franny, said the news of his selection brought hope to the family during a difficult period after they lost a loved one to cancer.

“I’m super proud of him. When he told me he had been scouted, it came at a time when our family really needed something positive. It just lit us up.”

She believes the tour could open doors for her son’s future.

“We don’t see his rugby ending after Grade 12. We are applying to universities with strong rugby programmes because we know he has the potential to go further if he is given the opportunity.”

Unable to afford the full cost of the tour, the family is appealing to businesses, organisations and residents for support.

“We would love one company to sponsor everything, but what we’re really asking is for the entire community to come together. It takes a village to raise a child, and every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.”

Launching the fundraising campaign during Nelson Mandela Month, Gershwin hopes people will embrace the spirit of giving. He points out that if 1 000 people each donated R67, the fundraising goal would almost be reached.

Those unable to contribute financially are encouraged to share his campaign.

Those wishing to support Gershwin’s journey to Ireland can donate through his BackaBuddy fundraising page: Team Gershwin: Every Tackle Counts.