Bluff lads selected to play in international rugby tournament

THREE upcoming rugby stars from The Bluff have been given an opportunity of lifetime to participate in an international tournament, set to take place in Mauritius in October next year.

Bernard Pieterse, 18; Jayden Stuurman, 17; and Shane du Plessis, 18, who are learners at Port Natal Skool/School were recently informed that they were selected to play for the Caracals 7s team, at the international under 19 Rugby 7s tournament.

The boys, who play for their school’s rugby team, Phoenix 7’s, now have to raise over R30 000 to go on the tour.
Bernard, a Grade 11 learner, said while he was quite surprised, he was excited to have been selected.

“This is definitely a life changing opportunity and it would be a very exciting adventure which I hope to get to go on. But, I now have to find sponsors that can assist me,” he said.

Bernard said his passion for rugby started as a child.

“From a young age, I used to watch the Sharks games with my dad or we would play rugby at home. I always enjoyed it, so when I was 13 years old I joined the Harlequins junior team and my passion has grown,” he said.

Bernard said his favourite player is Curwin Bosch from the Sharks, and that he hoped to play for the team in future. Jayden, a Grade 11 learner said his passion for the sport started while in primary school.

“One of the big rugby players had come to our school and gave a speech. He had motivated and encouraged us, and gave us more information about rugby. I was around 11 or 12 years old when I first started playing. I use to do athletics and one of my coaches asked me to try rugby because he said that he needs someone like me,” he said.

Jayden said he was ecstatic about being selected to play in the tournament.

“At first I was hocked when my name was mentioned, I didn’t know how to feel but now I am really happy I was chosen to go play in Mauritius with my teammates. We were given sponsorship forms to give out to companies and to ask for donations towards the fund of this tour. I hope I am able to go and not waste the opportunity,” he said.

Jayden said his role-model is Cheslin Kolbe, who plays for the South Africa national team, Springboks.

“I hope to play professional in the future, however, I would like to pay for Toulouse, a part rugby team from France,” he said.

Shane said it was a surreal feeling being selected. “It is an honour to have been selected and get the opportunity to represent my school and make my family proud. I have always had a love for the sport and it is just one of those things that runs in the family,” he said.

Shane said his favourite player was Willie le Roux, who plays for the Springboks.

“He is one of the greatest players I have seen and I would love to achieve everything he has done in the rugby industry. My goal is to play for the Blue Bulls and and then work my way up to the Springboks,” he said.

They were three of the eight boys selected from the school to join the team. The other players selected from the school are Henry Louw, Nico Barnard, Kusasalethu Malevu, Jayden Alberts and Jordan Calonne.

Michael van Wyk, the school’s team coach said that the boys’ hard work and dedication on the rugby field was now being rewarded.

“As their coach, I have had the privilege to know the players in a different setting than the classroom. I have seen them develop their skills, and I am profoundly proud of their achievements. This is truly a culmination of a successful season ending.

“However, I would like to appeal to the communities to please assist these players as they need to raise funds to be able to go on this tour. The tour has been specifically constructed to expose the participants not only to the sport essence of the people and offerings of Mauritius, but also the prospective opportunities available to them,” he said.

For more information on how you can assist, contact van Wyk on 076 815 4920.

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