Head of Rugby - Mr F Smit

Why rugby stands out from any other sports

"The difference between rugby and most other sports? After being called for a penalty, six - foot - nine, 260 pound, 22 year old South African forward Lood de Jager said to the referee: "Sorry sir."

INTRODUCTION

We as coaches at Sunridge Primary School strive to get the most out of all our players by creating a positive environment for the players.

We like to build our approach on the principles given by the world famous American Football coach "Vince Lombardi":

·         Perseverance

·         Self-denial

·         Hard work

·         Sacrifice

·         Dedication

·         Discipline

·         Respect for authority

Traditional Rivals

Rugby is tough in the Eastern Province and over the years Sunridge has had competition from Lorraine, Charlo, Westering Primary, Verkenner, Sonop, Handhaaf, Rowallan Park, Kabega, Dr Viljoen, Jeffreys Bay and Grey Junior School.

Tours and Festivals

Sunridge Under 11A and 13A Rugby has had the privilege of being invited and taking part in the ITEC Grey College Super Series from 2022. During this week the team has the opportunity to play schools from different parts of the country and definitely does not shy away from the competition.

Another highlight of Sunridge Under 13A Rugby season is to be invited and take part in the "Wildeklawer Super Skole" tournament which is held at Newton Primary School in Kimberley from 2014 up to date. During this tournament there are more opportunities to measure oneself against the best. 3 Matches are played during this tournament and ample experience is gained.

Under 11A takes part in the Richmond Kent rugby tournament held at George Randall in East London. They also take part in the Aloe cup held at Jeffreys Bay Primary School.

EPPSRA Super 12 Tournament

Under 9A, 11A and 13A rugby teams have the privilege of taking part in this tournament. Matches are played as far as Cradock, Graaff Reinet and Somerset East.

During this tournament teams are divided into two pools where home and away matches are played. Every team receives the opportunity to play 5 pool matches with the highlight of gaining a semi - final and final position.

Success was gained by all age group teams. During the following tournaments the u/11A team had the opportunity to lift the trophy in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023 and the u/13A in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2022 and 2023.

The u/9A started playing in the tournament in 2023, and lifted the trophy in this historic event.

All three teams made history by winning the Super 12 tournament in 2023.

General

Rugby at Sunridge Primary School remains the school's number one sport in winter for boys. As the summer season starts drawing to an end every year, there is always a buzz of excitement as the new rugby season approaches. Sunridge can boast a total of 9 rugby teams: U9A, B ,C , U11A, B, C, D and Under 13A , B and C.

Sunridge Primary School has a total of 2 rugby fields which comfortably accommodate the teams we have available.

Weekly practice and match schedule:

All coaches are from Sunridge Primary School and are all qualified IRB level 1 - and certified Boksmart coaches.

During a season team players from the Under 12 and Under 13 groups get the opportunity to be selected for the EP Cravenweek, EP Under 13 Acadamy week and EP Under 12 sides.

CriterCriteria for awards in Rugby

First team badge

·      A player must have played in a minimum of 7 matches (in the starting line-up) for the Under 13A team during the season.

Colours

·      A player must be acknowledged by the provincial union.