The Springs Rugby Club announced Springs-born Basil Steyn (58) as its new president. Steyn, who will serve for four years has succeeded the late Boeta Moodie in this role.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Steyn shared his goals and vision for the club during his term. He said that, to him, being the president means giving back to the rugby community and creating a safe environment for the younger generation.

It also means sharing his experience as a former rugby player and allowing the players to gain skills through his teaching.

Steyn played rugby for various teams, including Northern Transvaal in the early 1980s, and later returned to play for the Springs Rugby Club.

He said the reason for taking up the position was the state of the club. The club is struggling to maintain sponsorship and get support from the community.

“In the first few months, I aim to get sponsors and get help to secure the fields and parking spaces. The state of the fields is not appealing, and I want to make them presentable.

“Any amateur sports club relies on its former players. Through these players’ network, getting as little as R5 each for the club, I believe they will come through to support the club,” said Steyn.

The club, founded in 1923, has been part of the community for over 100 years.

Steyn shared that each club had its traditions and heritage, and younger players must learn what it means to be part of the Springs Rugby Club and take pride in playing for the club.

The club culture tends to get lost over the years, as players did not see the previous culture and players have done things differently from them over the past years.

“Player development for the younger players is significant, as we want the junior teams to have their own committee in the club that will focus on them and help when progressing to senior teams,” said the new president.

One goal that Steyn aims for is starting a women’s division with the club. He expressed that it has been a long time coming to create opportunities and promote equality.

He said that a women’s team would mean talking to other rugby clubs to establish women’s teams and to play friendlies and host tournaments.

“One of our stepping stones as a committee is to have a division that will stand on its own within the club, which will drive in supporters and sponsorships. We will start with the women’s sevens to get interest and show them it is a safe environment to play in.”

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The new Springs Rugby Club president Basil Steyn invites former players, friends and family back to the club, with a community project on the way. #springs #springsrugbyclub #ekurhulenimetro #newpresident #rugby

♬ original sound – Springs Advertiser

The club’s teams did not play well in the previous season. The new president added that the teams must start being competitive, and that will bring back the supporters in the stands.

He also said that a winning club is what will drive the community to believe in the players. Steyn emphasised setting a clear target, which is finishing at least in the top four of the log at the end of the season.

He concluded with a message for people interested in joining the club: “Come and experience the Ouryperd. Once you have experienced the Ouryperd, you will feel at home.”

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