WP Schools master steps down

Western Province Rugby said farewell to a long-serving administrator at the end of November 2013, with Theo Kleynhans stepping down from his role as the GM of Youth Rugby.

Kleynhans, a long-time schoolmaster, first began working for Western Province during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, having also previously served as SA Schools (rugby) secretary and the vice-Chairman of WP Primary Schools Rugby when he was an enthusiastic master at Laerskool Simon van der Stel in Wynberg .

He then moved into a full-time role at WP Rugby in 1996 (as the manager of youth rugby), before becoming the General Manager of Youth Rugby where he continued to serve the union with distinction.

Kleynhans said: "I have had many, many highlights in my 17 years at Western Province, too many to single out.

"Of course, 2013 was a very successful time for us – across all our schools teams – but I was very privileged to have come across many talented players and teams under the Western Province banner during my time (here).

"For me though, it's not just about on-field results, but also looking back at pride with the Under-13 Craven Week tournament we hosted at Paarl Gym and the Under-18 Craven Week we put on at Paul Roos.

"More than anything I will miss watching players progress from Under-13 level to full senior level with WP and beyond (as international players). But even though I have now retired I will certainly be watching players like Frans Malherbe and Cheslin Kolbe, to name just two, and to see how far they continue to progress."

Theo and his wife Vera (who also retired this year – from teaching) have two children – a daughter and a son.

Now that they have both retired, Theo plans on spending time in the garden with his wife at their home in Bellville, playing golf and, of course, watching plenty of rugby!

By Howard Kahn