Coaching clinic attracts over 400
Legends inspire the next generation of stars
The Springbok rugby World Cup winners shared knowledge at a coaching clinic at Wanderers sports grounds.
The SA Legends coaching clinic took place at the Wanderers sports grounds on Friday, with John Smit, Schalk Brits, Warren Brosnihan and former Namibia captain Jacques Burger providing insight and inspiration to the next generation of rugby players.
The rugby legends had their hands full as more than 400 aspiring young rugby players showed up to learn as much as they could about rugby.
South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning captain Smit was amazed by the turnout.
“The kids are definitely a lot, but rather have too many than too few. The enthusiasm and the energy from the kids was incredible today.”
Smit, who also had a great club career with the Sharks, said: “We had 12 stations, a bit of controlled chaos, but we roamed around making sure we get to everyone, with some high school coaches assisting.
“Rugby has given us so much as professionals and we were made by the support of the fans. It’s important for us as ex-players to give back and to help grow the game. Teaching kids good technique to keep themselves safe in a physical sport, and also to enjoy their rugby, is key.
“Rugby teaches you so much about life and friendship and camaraderie, learning to handle the highs and the lows," he said.
Loads of energy
Brits, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 2019 in Japan, was very excited about the event.
“It’s very important to have coaching clinics like this to help improve rugby. Namibia has been doing well at international level and qualifying for World Cups, and it all starts at the level of these youngsters.”
Burger, a three-time World Cup player who is also considered a legend at his former English club Saracens, had a good time interacting with the attendees.
“You know, these kids are amazing. They came with loads of energy, so I enjoyed working with them. It’s just a beautiful atmosphere here.”
Former Namibia full-back and sevens coach Jurie Booysen, who organised the event, was happy with the turnout and said it looks like this is only the beginning.
The rugby legends had their hands full as more than 400 aspiring young rugby players showed up to learn as much as they could about rugby.
South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning captain Smit was amazed by the turnout.
“The kids are definitely a lot, but rather have too many than too few. The enthusiasm and the energy from the kids was incredible today.”
Smit, who also had a great club career with the Sharks, said: “We had 12 stations, a bit of controlled chaos, but we roamed around making sure we get to everyone, with some high school coaches assisting.
“Rugby has given us so much as professionals and we were made by the support of the fans. It’s important for us as ex-players to give back and to help grow the game. Teaching kids good technique to keep themselves safe in a physical sport, and also to enjoy their rugby, is key.
“Rugby teaches you so much about life and friendship and camaraderie, learning to handle the highs and the lows," he said.
Loads of energy
Brits, who won the World Cup with South Africa in 2019 in Japan, was very excited about the event.
“It’s very important to have coaching clinics like this to help improve rugby. Namibia has been doing well at international level and qualifying for World Cups, and it all starts at the level of these youngsters.”
Burger, a three-time World Cup player who is also considered a legend at his former English club Saracens, had a good time interacting with the attendees.
“You know, these kids are amazing. They came with loads of energy, so I enjoyed working with them. It’s just a beautiful atmosphere here.”
Former Namibia full-back and sevens coach Jurie Booysen, who organised the event, was happy with the turnout and said it looks like this is only the beginning.
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