Stormers and Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat will host the first-ever rugby clinic at Al Azhar Institute of Paarl on Thursday 3 August at 09:00. The 25-year-old has shown leadership qualities from a young age, captaining the first team of Paarl Boys’ High, the Western Province Craven Week side, SA Schools, the Junior Springboks, Western Province and the DHL Stormers.
He is also frequently mentioned as a future Springbok captain, while injury has robbed him of a possible spot in the Rugby World Cup squad. Moon, as he is affectionately known to teammates, is not only working hard to get back on the playing field, but also wants to ensure the Salmaans of tomorrow get an opportunity to play rugby from a young age.
He explains: ‘’I want to give back to my primary school, Al Azhar Paarl. Many know my story, but not many know that I come from a primary school that had no rugby.
“I had to go play club rugby at a young age so that I could pursue my passion. Up to today they don’t have any rugby equipment or infrastructure. Al Azhar is ultimately where I come from and it’s my roots.
“My plan is to conduct a rugby clinic and just interact with the kids as they look up to us as role models,’’ he said with a determined look in his eyes. “Hopefully a series of events and activations can cultivate a love for the sport just like it happened to me. We also want to get donations for rugby equipment and hand it over to the school in the hopes of starting rugby at the school for the kids.
