Talent opportunities at Kearsney

Some of South Africa’s best Under-19 talent will be participating this year at Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, which bodes well for highly entertaining and exciting rugby over the three play days. An there will be further opportunities for talented players.

Many gifted players have been discovered by talent scouts at the previous five Kearsney College festivals and now play for SA Sevens and Sharks teams.

Hans Scriba, head of the Sharks Academy, said the festival played an important role in exposing the quality of available young talent.

Scriba said: "From the Sharks Academy’s perspective, we are delighted with the quality of talented players who have joined us after school, having come through the festival at Kearsney.  Many of these players are already achieving wonderful results at the Sharks."

Scriba said that talent scouts from The Sharks and Sharks Academy would be on the lookout during the three play days, scheduled over the Easter weekend for Thursday 28 March, Saturday 30 and Monday 1 April 2013.

The Academy will offer three full bursaries to selected players for 2014.  Backed by The Sharks, which, it is claimed, is the most professional rugby union in South Africa, the bursaries will include a contract with the Sharks Academy, accommodation and tuition bursary with one of its reputable education partners.

Kearsney headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg said the event had emerged as a highlight on the sporting calendars of all lovers of top class schoolboy rugby.

He said: "Thousands of supporters from KZN and further afield flock to Kearsney over the Easter weekend to savour the spectacle of running rugby, to enjoy the special family atmosphere on our beautiful campus and to experience the fun and excitement of the festival."

Festival organiser Taff Green said he was delighted with the strength and quality of teams taking part this year, ensuring that the festival continued as an important event for supporters of top-class schoolboy rugby, whilst also providing the obvious benefits to the game in the province.

“We have another incredible line-up of talent participating in this year’s festival - and supporters will definitely not be disappointed.  This is schoolboy rugby at its very best,” he said.

Kicking off play each day will be a match between primary school teams, invited to showcase their skills and to enjoy the opportunity of playing in front of large crowds.  Participating sides are Highbury Preparatory, Westville Senior Primary, Glenwood Preparatory and the KZN Under-13 Provincial Development team.

From Kearsney College