Another player recruitment story
The Bugle, the King William's Town paper. ran yet another story of player recruitment, a buirning issue for many. This time it coincerns the Griffons Rugby Union who already have the Harmony Sports Academy in Virginia to provide young players. It tells a different tale.
A total of six young and aspiring rugby players have completed their transfer from their respective schools and left the Eastern Cape on Monday after they were scooped up by the Griffons Rugby Football Union in the Free State.
They are Charl Barthers (Gelvandale High, PE), Alrich Plaatjies (Hoerskool Grens), Keegan Christians (Hoerskool De Vos Malan), Brent Jonas, Lashaad Osteridge and Luvo James (all Breidbach Secondary).
The youngsters received a full scholarship at Hoerskool Harri Smith in the Fee State.
The Griffons offer comes with the opportunity to play Currie Cup rugby, Under 19 and A-division rugby against most of the best players in their age groups for the next years, while doing their studies.
Breidbach resident and former King Brumbies Rugby Football Club scrumhalf Alvandrè Maart is a former Valke player and scout and was instrumental in making the move possible.
Maart said he went to games played by the respective schools and identified the players and immediately approached them after the games.
“I watched them play, saw a lot of potential, approached them and they all showed enthusiasm after our first conversation,” Maart said.
“There were others whom I also spotted but they withdrew due to personal reasons.”
Derrick Sampson is a former Valke rugby coach at the Griffons and said North Free State Rugby Football Union was informed about their programme and the boys would spend the next two years in the Free State
“They have received a full scholarship and will compete for the provincial teams and the opportunity to play for the Griffons,” said Sampson.
The players were all over the moon about the chances coming their way and promised to give it their best try.
Jonas, 15, is a loose forward and played for Breidbach Seconds and the Under-16 side said: “I am proud of myself and thankful for this opportunity.
“My expectations are high and I promise to go further in life and build my future as a professional rugby player,” said Jonas.
The 16 year-old Christians played at scrumhalf and fly half positions for De Vos Malan 2nd and 1st teams when he was doing Grade 11 last year.
“I have a passion for rugby, love it from the bottom of my heart and was always dreaming of an opportunity like this.Now that I have it I am not going to look back,” said Christians.
His message to the youth is: “Success comes through hard work and never underestimate your capabilities.”
Breidbach Secondary principal Les Mara said the school was very proud about the three rugby players and wished them all the best of luck.
“There is absolutely nothing we could do to keep them at our school but we are proud for the opportunity which they grabbed with both hands,” said Mara, adding "May they prosper on their path and not forget where they come from."
Buffalo City Metropolitan Ward 44 committee member on education and King Sport Council deputy president Desmond Coetzee said the players’ loss is a setback for the school and the community.
“Its sad news for Breidbach and for the rugby fraternity in our ward but good news for the youngsters to fulfill their rugby dream of becoming professionals in the nearby future,” said Coetzee.
