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The Blue Bulls Rugby Union and UXi Sports International Rugby Institutes launched a unique new u.20 club rugby tournament last week. From left are Willem Strauss (president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, Ronald Meeske (CEO of CTU Training Solutions), Thea Miller, (COO of UXi Sport) and Jake White (Director of Rugby at the Bulls).

An innovative new u.20 club rugby tournament, which has the potential to take club rugby at all levels back to heights last seen in the 1980s, was launched last week by the Bulls in collaboration with a well-known group in education and training.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union and UXi Sports International Rugby Institutes launched a unique new u.20 club rugby tournament last week.

The two organizations worked together in creating the Cross-Border u.20 Club Competition.

This competition features 21 teams in three sections including North, South, and Central regions from the Blue Bulls, Lions, Pumas, Griquas, Valke, Leopards, and Western Province Rugby Unions. The competition officially kicked off this past weekend.

After the league phase, the final will be contested on Saturday, 30 September, following the quarter-finals and semi-finals which will be played on the weekends of 16 and 23 September, respectively.

“At the BBRU (Blue Bulls Rugby Union) one of our strategic goals is to make club rugby relevant again. Research has shown that more than 90% of rugby players stop playing when they have left school. We hope that this competition will encourage more school leavers to join their local clubs and academies and that it will also be a pathway to provincial and even professional rugby for both players and coaches,” said Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union.

Strauss emphasized that the Cross-Border u.20 Club Competition is an important addition to the rugby calendar and it will give young club players the opportunity and platform to showcase their skills and talent. He said this tournament is aimed at growing the game at community level by creating opportunities for late bloomers and non-contracted junior players in South Africa.

The sponsorship agreement allows for a hosting fee of R 50 000 for each participating club and R500 000 in prize money for the top-performing teams.

“Without sponsors no competition is possible. We are delighted that the partnership with UXi Sport is making this tournament possible. I would like to thank UXi Sport for their involvement in the competition and we hope that through the involvement of UXi Sport we can grow u.20 club rugby in South Africa,” Strauss remarked.

Thea Miller, COO of UXi Sport, said their aim is to create opportunities for young rugby players to develop their skills and fulfil their potential.

“The Cross-Border U20 Club Competition is a fantastic initiative that will enable us to do just that. Through this initiative, we support our local communities, who have been the backbone of club rugby talent, spectator support, and instrumental in the sports economy of South Africa,” Miller commented.

She said they want to dedicate this competition to every rugby player, especially those in the academy systems across the country, who have dreams and ambitions but are limited by not being afforded opportunities after school.

“My dream is that all Provincial Unions become part of this initiative,” Miller concluded.

Some of the matches will be live-streamed on the SuperSport Schools platforms.

For all Cross-Border U20 Club Competition enquiries, please contact the Tournament Director, Richard Janse van Rensburg at [email protected] or 082 673 3247.

Article from the Rekord: https://rekord.co.za/453642/exciting-new-interprovincial-u-20-club-rugby-tournament-another-first-for-blue-bulls/

In a remarkable stride towards gender equality and breaking barriers, the world of rugby celebrates a significant milestone this year as Thuto Rantso (19) and Crystal Francis (18) become the first female rugby players to join the prestigious UXi Rugby Institutes. Thuto and Crystal have already made waves in their local rugby scene, representing the Tempe Badgers Rugby Club in Bloemfontein. Their achievements not only reflect their individual talent and dedication but also underscore the unstoppable power of ladies’ rugby today.

Thuto and Crystal’s entry into the UXi Rugby Institutes represents a significant breakthrough for women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Their courage and determination have challenged stereotypes and proven that talent knows no gender boundaries. As the first female players in UXi Griquas Rugby Institute, they have become trailblazers and aim to inspire young girls everywhere to follow their dreams and pursue their passion for rugby.

Thuto Rantso, with her exceptional skills and relentless drive, has left an indelible mark on the rugby community. Her unwavering commitment was showcased in a memorable club rugby match against the Colesberg Queens, where her talent as a formidable rugby player was on full display. Thuto’s outstanding performance earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Match, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in women’s rugby. Thuto dreams of becoming a professional rugby player.

Crystal Francis, a new addition to the Tempe Badgers Rugby Club, has already made a significant impact with her speed, agility, and fierce determination on the field. Her passion for the sport is evident in every game she plays, earning her respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike. Crystal’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for greatness in women’s rugby. Crystal has big aspirations to become a Female Springbok Women’s Rugby player in the future.

As women’s rugby gains traction, more eyes are turning to the international rugby stage such as the Women Six Nations table, where teams from various nations compete fiercely for supremacy. The rise of female rugby in South Africa has been particularly notable, with the country boasting a thriving community and exciting fixtures, such as the SA Women rugby fixture against the famed Black Ferns of New Zealand. The record crowds that flock to witness women’s rugby matches are a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. From local fixtures to international tournaments like the Women Rugby World Cup, the attendance figures continue to soar. 

Cities like Cape Town have become hotspots for women’s rugby, attracting millions of spectators who are captivated by the skill, athleticism, and sheer passion displayed by female athletes. These record attendance figures reflect the increasing recognition and appreciation for women’s rugby, as more people embrace the sport and acknowledge the exceptional abilities of female players.

The impact of women’s rugby extends far beyond the playing field. It has become a movement that inspires and empowers women worldwide, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms! Did you know that a staggering 58,498 total attendance was recorded at Twickenham, as spectators flocked in to witness an exhilarating clash between the England and France women’s rugby teams? This remarkable attendance shattered the previous record for the highest attended women’s rugby match, which stood at 42,579 and was set during the thrilling 2022 Rugby World Cup final held in New Zealand. The overwhelming turnout at Twickenham showcased the immense popularity and growing support for women’s rugby, solidifying its position as a captivating and influential sport on the global stage.

Women’s rugby tournaments have been a driving force behind the sport’s growth and increasing popularity around the world. Events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Scottish Cup, the United States Women’s Premier League, and the Rugby Americas North Women’s Rugby Championship have helped to generate positive momentum and attract new fans to the game. With each passing season, these tournaments continue to showcase the immense talent and athleticism of women’s rugby, and inspire young girls everywhere to pursue their dreams on the pitch.

Men’s sporting teams have increasingly shown their support for women’s rugby in recent years. One such example is Real Madrid, a football club based in Spain, which announced in 2019 that it would be launching a women’s rugby team. This move was seen as a significant step towards the development of women’s rugby, especially given the prestige and global influence of the Real Madrid brand. Additionally, various men’s rugby teams and players have also expressed their support for women’s rugby and advocated for greater investment and promotion of the sport. This increased support from men’s sporting teams has helped raise the profile of women’s rugby and contributed to its growing popularity around the world.

Thuto and Crystal’s journeys serve as powerful examples for aspiring young girls who may have once thought that rugby was exclusively a male domain. Their trailblazing achievements have paved the way for increased inclusivity in the sport and have shattered long-standing gender barriers. By embracing the sport they love, they empower future generations of female athletes to challenge societal norms and excel in their chosen endeavours. As women’s rugby continues to evolve and capture the attention of fans worldwide, the journey of Thuto and Crystal stands as a testament to the potential and power of female athletes. Through their dedication, skill, and passion, they inspire millions of spectators, break down barriers, and pave the way for Women’s Rugby South Africa and for future generations of women rugby players to shine on the world stage.

“Many schoolboys are passionate about rugby and don’t want to stop playing when they leave school, but they don’t have a choice. Most of them do not get a sports scholarship so that they can continue playing at university or college, and even fewer of them are offered a contract by a rugby union.”

UXi Sport Chief Operating Officer, Thea Miller, is passionate about creating equal and inclusive opportunities for sport-athletes both locally and internationally.

The UXi Sport International Rugby Institutes, which are currently located in six different provinces, have been able to provide an effective pathway to professional-level sport, for young aspiring rugby athletes.

The programme is aimed at teaching these young people skills that will help them to achieve their sporting goals. Combined with an accredited academic qualification, this programme ensure that student-athletes become employable. Many of our academic qualifications go hand-in-hand with the values, skills and work ethics learnt within the sporting world – such as agricultural and artisan trades!

Read how Rugby and Agricultural Training go hand-in-hand:

“Loadshedding will start in 5 minutes” – we all know this infamous notification far too well (some apps have now even added in an inspirational quote with the reminder to soften the blow). This is the notification that makes each one of us jump off our seats to frantically run and put the kettle on, turn our laptops to “power saving mode”, and quickly try to get an extra few minutes of charge on our phones. Then, as the clock hits the hour, darkness hits. Then we sit, turn on our emergency lights, and wonder what to do for the next two and half hours of darkness.

As the world rang in 2023 two months ago, no one can deny that their hopes for “the best year ever” were high. Whilst the hopes for the “best” year may still be on the cards, it will most certainly not be the “brightest” – well at least not in South Africa for a long time. Nevertheless, in a country plunged into darkness, the UXi Rugby Institutes welcomed 240 aspirant young men to their 5 Institutes nation-wide. Thankfully the “light” in their eyes hadn’t been taken away from them; rather their eyes shone with the hope and excitement to be able to pursue a rugby opportunity, and this lit up every Orientation Ceremony!

The UXi Sport Rugby Institutes have been described as a “beacon of light and hope” for young sporting enthusiasts, who dream of pursuing a semi-professional or professional career, while also securing an academic qualification for a life after competing. What once started as a small Rugby Academy in the Western Cape has now expanded into a large-scale national sporting development platform!

Based on national research and sports science, this one-of-a-kind development programme offers young aspirant athletes a professional and sustainable pathway into semi-professional and professional rugby. This three-year structured programme incorporates key components, which ensures development in every area of high-performance sport. Our on-field rugby skills training and strength and conditioning programme provides every athlete with an individualized and position-specific rugby development plan, tailored to their athlete needs and goals. Combined with our rugby education class, each athlete is equipped with the knowledge to be a tactically informed rugby player, and a STUDENT OF THE GAME. Through the use of data science, analysis and technical assistance, we are able to monitor and evaluate every aspect of the athlete’s daily activities in the programme, to ensure that the athlete’s development plan is on-track! The programme is further combined with mental and life skills coaching and academic studies of an educational programme, which provides our athletes with peak mental and emotional development, as well as ensures them with employability during and after rugby. It really is a programme that DOES IT ALL!

Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed a number of our past UXi Rugby Institutes alumni SHINING on a national-level stage: the renowned Varsity Shield Competition! Xola Skhathele (WPRA 2021), James Coetzee (WPRA 2021), Kieran Naidoo (WPRA 2021/22) and Wiehan Kruger (WPRA 2021/22) all made their Varsity Shield debuts this past week as the 2023 Varsity Rugby season kicked off, donning the colours of Wits, UWC and CPUT. These past students are proving to be SHINING LIGHTS in the competition and have already contributed to their teams. Wiehan Kruger was named as the “FNB Player That Rocks” for his CPUT debut match against the University of KwaZulu-Natal; James Coetzee, who represented the Pumas Senior B Team last year, is now part of the infamous UWC “bomb squad”.

Our international Dutch shining star, David Weersma (WPRA 2015/16), who has been playing internationally for the past seven years, was recently nominated as “Player of the Pool stages” for the Rugby Europe Men’s XV Championship for his contribution to the Dutch National team. He is nominated alongside big names such Chris Raymond and Piotr Zeszutek. Hanru Smith (WPRA 20/21/22) and Dylan van der Merwe (WPRA 2021) have both gone on to secure international jobs, as rugby coaches, in Germany (this means they’ve also luckily escaped loadshedding). Both Hanru and Dylan have benefitted from our international cooperation and partnership with a rugby club in Bonn, in which we provide opportunities for our students that fully embody the pillars and values of UXi Sport! Delarey Swart (PRI 2022) is also another UXi Rugby Institute alumni that has found light in an international opportunity; Delarey is also heading off to pursue a European rugby career, where he will be playing for TSV Victoria Linden e.V. Rugby Club in Hanover, Germany.

Loadshedding has once again reminded us of the importance of ADAPTATION, and that sometimes you need to adjust your plans based on the darkness that life can throw at you. Life can get dark sometimes; it is your choice whether you will sit in the darkness or find a way to SHINE through it. It is important to remember that these players did not get their great moments from schoolboy rugby, when so many other players got awarded bursaries and contracts. These young men never lost their spark or gave up on their dreams; they simply had to ADAPT their pathway and SHINE through the dark times in order to achieve their dreams. Remember, that sometimes the brightest ideas are born from darkness.

What do these young men, and so many more in our system, have in common? They all sat in a time of darkness at some point in their rugby careers; yet they still had that spark to make their dreams come true. It was this spark that ignited many young men to pursue their own personal greatness. By furthering their sporting development at the UXi Rugby Institutes they, and many more young athletes who are in and have come through the system, have been provided with the tools and opportunities to LEVEL UP in sport and in life.

Our passion lies in creating successful people IN and OUT of sport; and because of this the UXi Sport Rugby Institute development platform continues to do what it was intended to: DEVELOP, IMPROVE, ENLIGHTEN, IGNITE HOPE and ELEVATE athletes to the next level in their sporting careers. Our message to all young aspirant sports athletes: even though the future may seem dark, don’t be afraid. When times are dark, it’s time to shine. It takes just ONE SPARK to pierce a universe of darkness; never give up!

How can UXi Rugby Institutes help you find your way from darkness to international opportunities?

Our Rugby Development programme study options includes the American GED, as well as various Sports education programmes, which can be validated through the international association for the evaluation of qualifications in the USA. This institution is responsible for the evaluation of educational achievement in the USA specifically, with the purpose to benchmark them against education standards in the USA.

From 2024, the UXi International Rugby Institutes will be offering International Bridging programmes that can be followed with the purpose to prepare players for international pathways; this includes various language programmes as well international travel preparation and opportunities to study international accredited programmes in artisan trades, sport and information technology.

CONTACT US for more information: [email protected].