Kick-off to the inaugural News24 Forward Faster Invitational Sevens tournament is fast approaching, with the scheduled matches set to electrify the Markötter Fields in Stellenbosch on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October.
The exciting sevens rugby spectacle is presented in collaboration with the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and backed by News24, Standard Bank, Access Management, Score Energy, TSU Protect, AM Security, Graham Beck, Spur, Sportsmans Warehouse, Fitch & Leedes, and Oasis Water. It will feature some of the country’s top rugby teams, including the reigning Commonwealth champions, the Blitzboks.
Head coach Sandile Ngcobo emphasised the importance of events like this for the national team: “Our team needs valuable game time, and tournaments such as the News24 Forward Faster Invitational Sevens tournament provide the perfect platform. Additionally, we are keen on witnessing the local talent.”
The Forward Foundation may be known for its excellence and championship performance on the beach touch-rugby circuit, but it also has solid sport programmes that create opportunities for players from resource-stricken neighbourhoods in socio-economically disadvantaged communities. The rugby programme includes sevens, tens, and touch rugby disciplines.
Zhaun Booysen, Forward Foundation sevens coach, sees the tournament as a great opportunity. “Playing against the national sevens side is an honour, and it is a chance for us to showcase our abilities as a team. Our players are well-conditioned and ready for the upcoming season. I am very proud of how our players have been growing and learning, the conditioning improves with every tournament and now we get to host our very own tournament. It is something we are very proud of as an organisation.”
The News24 Forward Faster Invitational Sevens tournament’s gates open as early as 08:00 on both days.
- For updates and further information, visit www.forwardfoundation.co.za.
