South African rugby’s professional ranks are no longer dominated by those who went to elite schools, as Springboks from various institutions are now World Cup winners, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The first of two Vodacom URC Origins Rounds kicked off this weekend and showcased diverse schools from across the Republic producing standout pros, reinforcing rugby as an opportunity for all.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that while popular schools like Grey College and Paarl Boys’ High still lead representation at the top echelons of the sport, the gap has narrowed over the past decade.
He emphasises that many schools across South Africa are contributing to the development of leading players, challenging the notion that only a privileged few can pursue a professional career.
Keohane notes Bok world champions Cheslin Kolbe (Brackenfell High), Franco Mostert (Brits), Deon Fourie (Pietersburg High), Damian de Allende (Milnerton High), Bongi Mbonambi (Voortrekker High, then St Albans), and Eben Etzebeth and Marvin Orie (both Tygerberg High), who succeeded without attending traditional local powerhouses.
KEO: Hartzenberg is part of Rassie’s Bok plans
“There were 92 players in action on Saturday, when the Sharks hosted the DHL Stormers and the Lions were at home to neighbours, the Vodacom Bulls,” he writes.
“The most noticeable aspect of the four respective 23-strong matchday squads was that there was no bias towards home-grown talent and, for the most, there is considerable movement to a province outside of the one in which the player finished his schooling.
“Those schools traditionally strong in each province will always feature prominently in professional South African rugby, but what the URC’s Round 10 ‘Origin’ weekend highlights is just how many different South African schools are producing professional rugby players.
“All these players give every rugby-playing schoolboy hope in this country that it is possible to become a professional player and a World Cup winner, without leaving one’s local school for a more renowned institution.”
Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
The post Any SA schoolboy can become a Bok champ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
