In a first ever Kariega’s club rugby rivals joined their talents for the exciting tens rugby series and already caused an uproar.
A Uitenhage Tens team was established and consists of players from the 2022 Grand Challenge club rugby champions, Progress Rugby Club, and stalwarts Gardens Rugby Club.
The vision to promote Kariega’s exceptional rugby talent to participate also in the high intensity ten-a-side running rugby, played in two ten-minute halves, is that of Lance van Aardt and sports compatriots Leolyn du Plessis, Marcel Jonkers, Blake Cornelius, Dwain Japhta and Fahmy Abrahams.
“We want to showcase our local ruby talent on different platforms. They are now preparing for the ultimate challenge, the George Tens Sport and Lifestyle festival, taking place from 15 to 18 December at Outeniqua Park, where they will participate in the semi-professional division,” said Van Aardt, Uitenhage Tens manager and co-owner of Cars on Caledon in Kariega.
The festival will enjoy international coverage and former Springbok Rugby coach, Heinecke Meyer is the director of the George Tens tournament.
“The Rebels from Gqeberha are the current George Tens champions. Uitenhage Tens recently played against them and performed brilliantly, beating them with a score of 7-6,” said Van Aardt.
According to Leolyn du Plessis, Uitenhage Tens general manager, “The main objective of this historic Uitenhage Tens team is to promote rugby development and to offer our community and enthusiastic supporters the opportunity to enjoy the game they love so much.
“Our future plans include starting U/13 and U/21 Uitenhage Tens teams next year, and including players from other local clubs as well,” said Du Plessis.
Uitenhage Tens team manager Marcel Jonkers said, “It is an honour to be part of this exciting rugby venture and rewarding to see how passionate the players as well as supporters are about the game. Where previously the supporters of Progress and Gardens were rivals, they now support the same team, Uitenhage Tens.”
The Uitenhage Tens squad consists of 25 players and a team typically consists of five forwards and five backs. Their coaches are the experienced Deon Booysen and Leon Nicolaai.
“We wish to thank Fahmy Abrahams, our media guy, for his exceptional good work and for promo-ting rugby through his social media platform, Club Rugby in the Eastern Cape,” said Van Aardt.
“For the Uitenhage Team to participate in the George Tens is costly as we had to design and supply our team with a full kit, pay the registration fees, travelling and accommodation. I would like to thank the Cars on Caledon team as well as those other local businesses for supporting our rugby talent.”
The businesses which have pledged their support for the Uitenhage Team include Cars on Caledon, B&M Automotive, Your Second Wife take-aways, FFT Suspension Centre, Star Cabs, and Auto Care.
On Saturday Uitenhage Tens will participate in a rugby tens tournament hosted by Despatch Oostelikes at the Daleview field.
In raising funds for the Uitenhage Tens to participate in the George Tens tournament, The Rockets from Cape Town will be performing at Uitenhage High school hall on Saturday, 12 November. Tickets are R150 per person and available from the school, which will also benefit from the concert.
- For more information contact Lance van Aardt on 061 875 9389.
