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Free State International Rugby Institute Student-Athletes Claim B League Cup Victory

Our outstanding UXi Sport Free State International Rugby Institute (FSIRI) student-athletes, who represented Old Greys RC 2 this past weekend in their decisive victory over Steyners RFC 1.

Through hard work, discipline, and exceptional teamwork, the team not only secured a crucial win, but also earned the title of 2025 B League Cup Champions. This achievement reflects the consistent commitment and development taking place both on and off the field at FSIRI.

The result is more than a win—it represents a revival of Free State rugby excellence. As one proud supporter put it:

“Go Free State – because of you, you have revived Free State Rugby. From ashes to life—we are so proud of this team.”

A special acknowledgement goes to Coach Simon Askew, head coach at FSIRI, whose dedication and leadership continue to elevate the standard of rugby within the institute and the broader Free State region.

This victory is a testament to the bright future being built at FSIRI—one performance, one player, and one win at a time.

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Visit from none other than Springbok Women’s scrumhalf Alicia Willemse!

Our UXi Sport Western Province International Rugby Institute student-athletes were honoured with a visit from none other than Springbok Women’s scrumhalf Alicia Willemse!

As a proud representative of South African women’s rugby on the international stage, Alicia’s presence brought a spark of excitement and inspiration to our players. It’s not every day you get to meet a national icon—thank you, Alicia, for stopping by and motivating our student-athletes simply by showing what dedication and hard work can achieve!

 

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From Hoerskool Florida to Germany: Morné van Jaarsveld’s Rugby Success Story

Morné van Jaarsveld’s journey is one of determination, growth, and seizing opportunities! Starting at Hoerskool Florida, Morné balanced athletics and rugby, often playing in the B team. Against all odds, he made the first team at just 16 and served as the Sport Head Boy in matric.

While pursuing an LLB at Wits University , Morné was selected for Wits’ U21 rugby training group, competing alongside top school players. His big break came in 2022 when his “Man of the Match” performance caught the attention of the Pumas Rugby Institute coaches. Within a week of joining the institute, he was selected for the Pumas U21 Currie Cup Shield team , where he balanced rigorous training, studies, and national-level competition.

In 2023, TSV Victoria Linden in Germany’s Bundesliga rugby league recognized his exceptional talent and versatility as a flank, center, and wing.  Morné’s debut season in Germany saw him as one of the team’s top try-scorers , earning him an official rugby contract, German language studies, and a work placement. His coach, Jens Himmer, regularly praises Morné for his commitment and impact.

Morné’s father, Neil, reflects: “The UXi Sport Rugby Institutes offer unmatched opportunities. They develop players holistically, combining high-level conditioning with academics to prepare them for bright futures.”
From balancing B teams to Bundesliga success, Morné’s story is proof that dedication, resilience, and the right support system can take you to extraordinary places!

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From Academy Fields to Provincial Honours

Provincial HonoursAt UXi Sport, we believe in the power of hard work, dedication, and high-performance development — and our student-athletes continue to prove that every single day.

We are thrilled to celebrate our Provincial Achievers, who have earned well-deserved selections across several elite U19 and U21 squads in 2025:

Cheetahs U19 Selections
– Riaan Benade
– Maritz Dannhauser
– Louis Fourie
– HG Muller
– Ruan Potgieter

These rising stars have stepped up and proven themselves in one of South Africa’s top junior systems — a massive achievement built on resilience and relentless training.

Cheetahs U21 Selection:
– Brent Klopper
Already making waves in the Cheetahs U21 setup, Brent continues to push boundaries and raise the bar for UXi performance excellence.

Griffons U21 Selection:
– Nathan Dodd
A standout performer, Nathan’s selection to the Griffons U21 team is a result of consistent grit and unwavering focus.

Griquas U21 Selection:
– Kamva Gobeni
From academy grind to Griquas pride — Kamva’s journey is a powerful example of seizing opportunity and making every moment count.

These achievements are not just selections — they are milestones of purpose and potential. Each of these athletes represents the heart of UXi Sport: discipline, growth, and a dream of reaching the top.

Well done, champs — we are beyond proud. The journey continues!

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From Academy Grind to Griquas Glory

We are incredibly proud to celebrate nine of our rising stars who have been selected for the 2024 Griquas U21 Training Squad — a powerful reflection of their grit, growth, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

– Ruben Pienaar
– Ruben Preite
– Damian MacLean
– Caydon Daniels
– Stirling Batties
– Tebogo Motswenyane
– Jevano Hector
– Juwan Wium
– Adynn Veloen

These young men have walked the path of early mornings, tough sessions, and relentless determination — and now, their efforts have been rewarded.

Their selection into the Griquas U21 squad is more than a milestone — it’s a celebration of the UXi Rugby development journey that has shaped them not just as players, but as disciplined, driven individuals.

As they step into this next chapter, we are filled with pride knowing they carry the UXi legacy forward. This achievement is only the beginning of greater things to come.

Well done, gents — keep flying the UXi flag high!
Griquas Glory

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Joren Buijs selected to represent the Netherlands U18 Rugby Team

Joren Buijs, one of our international student-athletes at the UXi Sport Western Province International Rugby Institute, has been selected to represent the Netherlands U18 Rugby Team in their upcoming clash against USA this Saturday!

We are incredibly proud of Joren and his dedication, discipline, and international ambition. Your WPIRI family is behind you all the way—go make your mark on the world stage!

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UXi Western Province Rugby Alumni Makes International Debut!

Big congratulations to UXi Western Province International Rugby Institute alumni (2021), who just earned his first international cap with the Mexico National Rugby Team — the Serpientes!

Brandon Arriaga made his debut on May 3, 2025, in the RAN Semi-Final vs. Jamaica in Mexico City — not only helping secure a 34-22 win, but also scoring his first international try in the 15th minute! He now proudly holds the title of Serpiente

Next up: Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago in the RAN Final on June 21. A victory could open the door to face top-tier teams from South America and Europe — all in pursuit of Rugby World Cup 2031 qualification.

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A massive congratulations to Ricardo Brandão

Ricardo BrandãoA massive congratulations to Ricardo Brandão, a 2024 alumnus of UXi Sport Harlequins International Rugby Institute, on his selection to the SA Under-21 Cup squad for Lions Rugby!

Ricardo’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. In 2024, he earned his first cap for the Lions U19 team, showing early signs of greatness. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s already competed in his first Varsity Cup season for WITS, making a strong impact at university level.

Now, with his selection for the U21 Cup, Ricardo continues to prove he is a name to watch in South African rugby.

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From UXi Sport to the international stage!

Tucker TrickeryWe’re incredibly proud of Tucker Trickery, a 2021 UXi Sport Western Province International Rugby Institute alumni, who is now representing the USA National 7s Team at the prestigious EAAST 7s Tournament in France.

Wearing jersey #11 with pride, Tucker continues to show the power of grit, dedication, and belief in the process. From Stellenbosch to the world—this is what the journey is all about!

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We’re proud to celebrate Dian Basson

Dion BassonWe’re proud to celebrate Dian Basson, a rising star and UXi Western Province International Rugby Institute alumnus, on his selection for the 2025 SA Cup!

Dian’s journey began at Tygerberg High School and took flight at WPIRI in 2022. During his time with us, he earned spots in the Western Province U21 squad and showcased his talent at club level before moving on to the SWD Eagles.

From Tygerberg to the SA Cup, Dian’s story is one of discipline, resilience, and relentless drive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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