The eagerly anticipated third annual Willie le Roux Rugby Festival, scheduled to be held at the renowned Markötter Sports Ground in Stellenbosch, kicked off early this week.
Spearheaded by Springbok rugby luminary Willie le Roux and event organiser Koos Eksteen, this event remains a pivotal platform for burgeoning u-11 and -13 rugby talents hailing from the Northern, Western, and Southern Cape. It runs from Sunday 24 to Wednesday 27 March.
Dedicated to nurturing emerging stars and fostering a spirit of competitive camaraderie, the festival is as a beacon of youth rugby development. Le Roux and Eksteen, who were classmates at Laerskool Lochnerhof in Strand, conceived the idea of the festival, underscoring their enduring bond and shared vision for promoting grassroots rugby.
With the double Rugby World Cu winner’s steadfast dedication to the sport and Eksteen’s event orchestration, primary school boys are afforded the opportunity to engage in riveting knockout rugby clashes against teams representing diverse rugby leagues.
Expressing his fervent dedication, Le Roux said: “This festival encapsulates my unyielding love for rugby and my commitment to nurturing the next generation of rugby talent. Our vision extends beyond honing athletic prowess; we aim to instil core values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience in young players. Our aspiration is to make this junior school rugby festival the largest in the country.”
Anticipation mounts as teams gear-up to showcase their skills on the field, each eager to etch their mark on the rugby landscape. With every match promising adrenaline-charged action and indelible moments, spectators are poised for an unforgettable experience as they witness the ascendance of young rugby talent.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the Willie le Roux Rugby Festival promises a vibrant ambiance brimming with excitement and camaraderie and ensuring a memorable outing for families and rugby enthusiasts alike.
“We are thrilled to host the third instalment of this festival, bringing together young rugby players and communities to celebrate the essence of rugby excellence,” Eksteen remarked. “This event serves as a unique platform for u-11 and -13 rugby teams to showcase their talents and forge enduring memories on the field.”
An impressive roster of 1 018 players and 116 coaches are partaking in this year’s festival, underscoring its burgeoning popularity and significance within the rugby fraternity.
Furthermore, the provision for players to reside in the boarding houses of Paul Roos Gymnasium and Hoërskool Stellenbosch offers junior school boys invaluable exposure to the boarding school milieu.
All are cordially invited to take part in the festivities and cheer on the burgeoning talents at the Willie le Roux Rugby Festival.
