Successful West Coast Rugby Development Tournament

The 25^th annual Fish Industry Rugby Tournament provided opportunities for fishermen and aspiring rugby players to play the game at a higher level. Sixteen teams from the region participated in the tournament at the Sport Grounds in Velddrif on Friday, 26 October 2012.

The tournament was hosted by the South African Rugby Union (SARU), Boland Rugby Union, and other sporting entities, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and the Saldanha Municipality. The aim of the tournament is to provide opportunities for players from the fishing industry to showcase their talents on the rugby field. It also serves as a talent identification opportunity for players who may go on to compete at the highest level.

Mr Willie Smit of Boland Rugby Union was pleased with the quality of rugby displayed at the tournament and the support it received from community members. “This tournament is the pride of rugby supporters on the West Coast and it gives the participants an opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle”, Smit said.

The Department is committed to providing sport participation opportunities to those outside club rugby structures. “This tournament is one of the most popular rugby attractions and it has definitely contributed to the development of the sport in the region”, said Mr Cornelius Malgas of the Department’s regional office.