Inspiring Greatness, Through Sport to Life
Through the UXi Rugby Institutes, there are several opportunities for players to be seen and taken up into semi-professional and professional teams. Team selections, such as the Union U/20 and U/21 teams are common and even senior team selections are possible.
Through this programme, student-athletes are given all the tools they need to develop into successful, professional players.
Springbok Representative
Former Western Province Rugby Academy (WPRA) student-athlete, Kurt-Lee Arendse, made his Springbok debut against Wales on the 9th of July 2022. Kurt-Lee was a WPRA student in 2016 and was coached under our very own Alastair Theys and Anton Moolman.
At the Academy, Kurt-Lee was a fast-footed winger, who showed eXtreme amounts of talent and skills. There was never a doubt in anyone’s minds that Kurt-Lee would make it all the way to the top!
Kurt-Lee was also selected as a URC Elite 15 player during the Vodacom URC Awards 2022/23.
Springbok Representative
Former Western Province Rugby Academy (WPRA) student, Grant Williams, made his Springbok debut against Wales on the 9th of July 2022. Grant (known as “Mollie” at the WPRA) was a Stellenbosch Rugby Academy (this Academy was taken over by the WPRA) in 2015/2016, and was coached under our very own Warren Petersen, Hendrik Louw and Francois du Toit.
At the Academy, Grant was a talented winger who always gave his best on and off-field. Grant always had big dreams, and knew that he had to work hard and consistently to have a shot at making those dreams come true. His hard work finally paid off, and his dreams have come true.
Blitzboks Representative
Ricardo “Ricky” Duarttee (WPRA 2021) made his debut for the Blitzboks at the 2022 Dubai 7s tournament. Ricardo’s eXtraordinary performance in the 7s scene has earned him the nickname of “Tricky Ricky”.
Ricardo was a standout player at the Western Province Rugby Academy, even at 15’s level. We are proud of how Ricardo has developed as an eXcellent 7s player!
South African Tag-Rugby Representative
Former Western Province Rugby Academy (WPRA) student, Kyle Saunders, was selected for the South African Tag-Rugby squad. Kyle was a Stellenbosch Rugby Academy (this Academy was taken over by the WPRA) in 2015/16, and was coached under our very own Warren Petersen, Hendrik Louw and Francois du Toit.
Kyle is still eXtremely involved in UXi Sport and the Western Province Rugby Academy, and often hosts skills clinics for our current student-athletes.
Zimbabwe National Representative
Emmanuel Farawu (WPRA 2021) was selected for the Zimbabwe National U/20 “Junior Sables” men’s squad, that traveled to Canada for their international competition.
German Club Representative
Delarey Swart (PRI 2022) is currently pursuing a European rugby career, where he is playing for TSV Victoria Linden e.V. Rugby Club in Hanover, Germany. Delarey won “Man of the Match” in his debut match for Victoria Linden.
Zimbabwe National Representative
Tinashe Gowere (WPRA 2021/22) was selected for the Zimbabwe National Men’s 7’s Rugby Team, popularly knowns as the “Zimbabwe Cheetahs”. They competed in the World Rugby Challengers 7’s Series in Cape Town.
Namibia National Representative
Owen Hawanga (WPRA 2022), who is an eXtremely talented centre, has been selected for the Namibian U/20 team that will be competing in the Barthes Cup in Kenya in April. Good luck Owen!
USA Professional 7’s Rugby Player
Tucker Trickey (WPRA 2021 International Student) was one of our first international students to join us at the UXi WPRA, from California. His main goal of coming to the Academy was to further develop his rugby, and he did just that!
In June 2023, Tucker was signed by the Rhinos x SoCol Loggerheads Rugby Team for the 2023 USA Premier Rugby Sevens season. They are the 2022 Men’s Champions. The Loggerheads are coached by former South African 7s player, Frankie Horne.
American College Rugby Player
American College Rugby Player
American College Rugby Player
Portuguese Club Representative
German Club Representative
Polish Club Representative
Dutch National Player
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.
German Club Representative
JP Evert (WPRA 2021) has taken his rugby career to international levels! JP was approached by the popular German rugby club, VfR Döhren 06, and contracted for two years. Based in Hanover, Germany, JP thrived on the international stage and loved every moment of his German eXperience.
Rugby Coach at German Club
Dylan van der Merwe (WPRA 2021) was provided the incredible opportunity to work as a rugby coach at BTHV in Bonn, Germany. This coaching programme is primarily based on coaching and introducing rugby to players at the club, from U/8 level right through to U/16 level.
This is part of a UXi-Germany partnership, in which we provide opportunities for our students that fully embody the pillars and values of UXi Sport.
Rugby Coach at German Club
Hanru Smith (WPRA 2020/21/22) is a third-year student-athlete who was selected to work as a rugby coach at BTHV in Bonn, Germany. This is part of a UXi-Germany partnership, in which we provide opportunities for our students that fully embody the pillars and values of UXi Sport.
Hanru is the second student-athlete to be selected for this programme.
Rugby Coach at German Club
Ruan van der Schyff (WPRA 2022) is a second-year student-athlete who was selected to work as a rugby coach at BTHV in Bonn, Germany. This is part of a UXi-Germany partnership, in which we provide opportunities for our students that fully embody the pillars and values of UXi Sport.
Ruan is the third student-athlete to be selected for this programme.
German Club Representative
Arno Smit (PRI 2021) spent some time pursing a European rugby career, where he played for TSV Victoria Linden e.V. Rugby Club in Hanover, Germany. Arno won the joint “Man of the Match” award in his final match for Victoria Linden.
German Club Representative
Janrico Vermeulen (PRI 2021) spent some time pursing a European rugby career, where he played for TSV Victoria Linden e.V. Rugby Club in Hanover, Germany. Janrico won the joint “Man of the Match” award in his final match for Victoria Linden.
Jamaican National Player
Lewis Ellingham (WPRA 2018 International student) made his debut at the end of 2022 for the Jamaican National side. Jamaica took on Gibraltar in an international match in Birmingham, England.
Western Province Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Western Province Rugby Union teams:
Western Province Premier U19 Division:
> Graham Thompson (WPIRI 2024)
> Nqaba Nkonyeni (WPIRI 2024)
> Sean van Zijl (WPIRI 2024)
> Rucan Lawrence (WPIRI 2024) | Training Group
Western Province Senior Currie Cup | 2023 Season:
> Matthew Coenraad (WPRA 2020)
Western Province 7’s (Tusker Safari Sevens rugby tournament) | 2023 Season:
> Jan-Daniel Cilliers (WPRA 2021/22/23)
> Botshelo Kubyadi (WPRA 2021/22/23)
> Mihle Qaba (WPRA 2021/22/23)
Western Province 10’s | 2023 Season:
> Ruben Verdoes (WPRA 2021/22/23)
Western Province U/19 | 2023 Season:
> Joshua Fritz (WPRA 2023)
> Aaron Swartz (WPRA 2023)
Western Province U/19 Touch Rugby | 2023 Season:
> Adon Blouws (GRI 2023)
Western Province U/21 | 2022 Season:
> Dian Basson (WPRA 2021/22)
Western Province U/20 | 2022 Season:
> Nande Moses (WPRA 2021)
> Jan-Daniel Cilliers (WPRA 2021/22/23)
> Botshelo Kubyadi (WPRA 2021/22)
Toyota Cheetahs Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Toyota Cheetahs Rugby Union teams:
Toyota Cheetahs U/19 | 2024 Season:
> Ethand Rheeder (FSIRI 2024)
> Lihlumelo Jabanga (FSIRI 2024)
> Joshua Fritz (Old Boy) (WPIRI 2024)
> Nathan Joe Dodd (FSIRI 2024) *Training Squad
Toyota Cheetahs U/21 | 2024 Season:
> Ruben Kotze (FSIRI 2024)
> Marco Coetzee (FSIRI 2024)
Toyota Cheetahs Women U/21 | 2024 Season:
> Thuto Rantso (FSIRI 2024)
Toyota Cheetahs U/19 | 2023 Season:
> Edward Tembani (CIE 2023)
> Jordan Davids (CIE 2023)
> JP van Heerden (CIE 2023)
> Rudolph Hattingh (CIE 2023)
Toyota Cheetahs U/19 Women | 2023 Season:
> Crystal Francis (GRI 2023)
> Thuto Rantso (GRI 2023)
Toyota Cheetahs U/21 | 2022 Season:
> Chris Rheeder (CIE 2020/21/22)
> Thapelo Moshodi (CIE 2020/21/22)
> Ulrich Bekker (CIE 2020/21/22)
Toyota Cheetahs U/19 | 2022 Season:
> Devan Andreas (CIE 2022)
> Jaundre Le Roux (CIE 2022)
> Sihle Matinise (CIE 2022/23)
Pumas Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Pumas Rugby Union teams:
Pumas U21 Colours | 2024 Season:
> Ben Burger (PRI 2024)
> Junior Malaza (WPIRI old boy)
> Abongile Gulela (PRI 2024)
> Asande Kunene (PRI 2024)
> Dian Hurter (PRI 2024)
> Divan Spangenberg (PRI 2024)
> Drikus Greef (PRI 2024)
> Kutloano Seabela (PRI 2024)
> Leonard Barnman (PRI 2024)
> Louis Jordaan (PRI 2024)
> Lusanda Mhlongo (PRI 2024)
> Nkateko Phakula (PRI 2024)
> Ricardo Correia (PRI 2024)
> Wihan Venter (PRI 2024)
> Duard Deichmann (PRI 2024) *Pumas U21 Player of the year
> Zane Pretorius (PRI 2024)
Pumas Junior Squad | 2024 Season:
> Ricardo Correia (PRI 2023)
Pumas U/21 | 2023 Season:
> Aviwe Thomas (PRI 2022/23)
> Drikus Greeff (PRI 2023)
> Jason Taylor (PRI 2022/WPRA 2023)
> Leonard Bornman (PRI 2023)
> Ricardo Correia (PRI 2023)
> Ruben Kotzé (PRI 2023)
> Stephen Taylor (PRI 2023)
> Zane Pretorius (PRI 2023)
Pumas U/21 | 2022 Season:
> Aviwe Thomas (PRI 2022/23)
> Danie Jacobs (PRI 2022)
> Delarey Swart (PRI 2022)
> Ettienne Bates (PRI 2022/23)
> Jacques van Aardt (PRI 2022)
> Jason Taylor (PRI 2021/22)
> Jean Robinson (PRI 2022)
> Morne van Jaarsveld (PRI 2022)
> Robert Everson (PRI 2022)
> Ruben Behrens (PRI 2021/22)
Pumas U/20 | 2022 Season:
> Divan Janse van Rensburg (PRI 2022/23)
> Ethan Biljoen (PRI 2020/21)
> Ethan Fussell (PRI 2022)
> Ettienne Bates (PRI 2022/23)
> Heinerich Keir (PRI 2022)
> Hugo Meiring (PRI 2022/23)
> Jacques van Aardt (PRI 2022)
> Jason Taylor (PRI 2021/22)
> Jean Robinson (PRI 2022)
> Thato Gololo (PRI 2022/23)
> Robert Everson (PRI 2022)
> Samuel Klinkert (PRI 2022/23)
> Siphosethu Kachelenga (PRI 2022)
> Udo Cilliers (PRI 2022/23)
Pumas U/20 | 2021 Season:
> Arno Wouter Smith (PRI 2021)
> Ethan Biljoen (PRI 2021/22)
> Janrico Vermeulem (PRI 2021)
> Milan Combrink (PRI 2021)
> Qhama Sinkila (WPRA 2021)
> Zain Christians (PRI 2021)
Griquas Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Griquas Rugby Union teams:
Griquas Womens Seniors | 2024 Season:
> Crystal Francis (GRI 2024)
> Queenitah La Meyer (GRI 2024)
> Abigal Brand(GRI 2024)
> Lidene Kruger (GRI 2024)
Griquas U/21 Currie Cup First Division | 2024 Season:
> Believe Mwabi (WPIRI 2024)
> Buhle Mpangalala (WPIRI 2024)
> Enrico Giani (WPIRI 2024)
> Owen Hawenga (WPIRI 2024)
Griquas U/21 | 2024 Season:
> Crysal Francis (GRI 2024)
> Queenitah La Meyer (GRI 2024)
> Con-Zay Hendricks (GRI 2024)
> Devronne Jauarie (GRI 2024)
> Franco Dauth (GRI 2024)
> Justin Pieterse (GRI 2024)
> Taylan Rose (GRI 2024)
> Wilmen Schreuder (GRI 2024)
> Zander Minnie (GRI 2023)
> Kamva Gobeni (FSIRI 2024)
> Lidene Kruger (GRI 2024)
> Bronwyn Basson (GRI 2024)
> Ruben Pienaar (GRI 2024)
Griquas U/21 | 2023 Season:
> Adynn Veloen (GRI 2023)
> Armand Greeff (GRI 2023)
> Christo Janse van Rensburg (GRI 2023)
> Devronne Januarie (GRI 2023)
> Dominic Malindi (CIE 2023)
> Dwayne Wilson (GRI 2023)
> Ethan Bester (WPRA 2022/GRI 2023)
> Fernando Larry (GRI 2023)
> Franco Dauth (GRI 2023)
> Geronimo van der Merwe (CIE 2021/22/23)
> Granwill Pieters (GRI 2023)
> Henzel van Rooi (GRI 2023)
> Joshua Meyer (GRI 2023)
> Juandre le Roux (CIE 2022/23)
> Mcniel Hendricks (GRI 2023)
> Ruben Osborne (CIE 21/22/23)
> Sergio Martin (GRI 2023)
> Tashreeq Abdullah (GRI 2023)
> Valentino Vercuil (GRI 2023)
> Waldeano Koopman (GRI 2023)
> Wihann Hendricks (GRI 2023)
> Wilmen Schreuder (GRI 2023)
Griquas U/21 | 2022 Season:
> Geronimo van der Merwe (CIE 2021/22/23)
> Godric Vries (WPRA 2021/CIE 2022)
> James Greeff (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Johann Strydom (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Keran Valentyn (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Nicolas Engelbrecht (WPRA 2021/CIE 2022)
> Oliver Read (CIE 2021/22/23)
> Wian Van Niekerk (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
Griquas U/20 | 2021 Season:
> Anwar Hendriks (WPRA 2020/GRI 2021)
> Connor Clark (GRI 2021)
> Devon Pretorius (GRI 2021)
> Dylan van Wyk (GRI 2021)
> FransJohan Theart (GRI 2021)
> Ikho Putini (WPRA 2020/GRI 2021)
> James Greeff (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Jacques-James Wiggins (WPRA 2020/GRI 2021)
> Johan Strydom (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Jo-Harry Segrys (WPRA 2020/GRI 2021)
> Kamvelihle Mali (GRI 2021)
> Keran Valentyn (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
> Llewellyn Ventura (GRI 2021)
> Nathan Williams (GRI 2021)
> Randy Fillies (WPRA 2020/GRI 2021)
> Revaldo Maurice (GRI 2021)
> TJ Madjiedt (GRI 2021)
> Wian van Niekerk (GRI 2021/CIE 2022)
Griquas Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Griquas Rugby Union teams:
Griffons U/21 | 2024 Season:
> Brent Klopper (FSIRI 2024)
> Dominic Malindi (FSIRI 2024)
> Franco Odendaal (FSIRI 2024)
> Tashcon Meas (GRI 2024)
> Jaundre Le Roux (FSIRI 2024)
> Misokuhle Nkosi (FSIRI 2024)
> Lulundi Nopote (FSIRI 2024)
> Marco Coetzee (FSIRI 2024)
Boland Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Boland Rugby Union teams:
Boland Women Senior Team:
> Tyrell Wilson (WPIRI 2024)
Boland U/21 Currie Cup First Division Champions:
> Bubele Thibini (WPIRI 2024)
> Luhan Louw (WPIRI Old Boy)
Boland U/21 | 2023 Season:
> JJ Groenewald (GRI 2021/CIE 2022/WPRA 2023)
> Kieran Valentyn (GRI 2021/CIE 2022/WPRA 2023)
Blue Bulls Rugby Union Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective Blue Bulls Teams:
Blue Bulls u/19 Training Squad & Warm up game:
> Dewan Gobey (HIRI 2024)
> Jaen-dre de Bruyn (HIRI 2024)
> Jeselte van Rooyen (HIRI 2024)
> Ryan Scott (HIRI 2024)
FNB Varsity Cup Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective FNB Varsity Cup teams:
2024 Competition:
> Aaron Swarts (WPRA 2023) | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
> Christiaan Hechter (WPRA 2020) | North-West University (NWU) Eagles
> James Coetzee (WPRA 2021) | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
> Jordan Davids (FSIRI 2023) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Young Guns
> Kenneth Hefer (FSIRI 2023) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Young Guns
> Matthew Fortuin (WPRA 2020) | North-West University (NWU) Eagles
> Maurtiz Swart (WPRA 2020) | University of Johannesburg (UJ)
2023 Competition:
> Xola Skathele (WPRA 2021) | Wits University
2022 Competition:
> Chris Rheeder (FSIRI 2020/21/22) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias
> Kobus du Plessis (FSIRI 2020/21) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias
> Niel Venter (FSIRI 2020/21) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias
> Tokelo Ntaopane (FSIRI 2020/21) | Central University of Technology (CUT) Ixias Young Guns
FNB Varsity Shield Representatives
The following UXi Rugby Institutes student-athletes were selected for the respective FNB Varsity Shield teams:
2024 Competition:
> Armondo Hoogbaard (WPRA 2022/23) | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
> Kieran Naidoo (WPRA 2021/22) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | CAPTAIN
> Kieran Valentine (GRI 2021, WPRA 2023) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
> Wiehan Kruger (WPRA 2021/22) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
2023 Competition:
> Edmilson Fredericks (WPRA 2021/22) | Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vikings
> James Coetzee (WPRA 2021) | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
> Kieran Naidoo (WPRA 2021/22) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
> Wiehan Kruger (WPRA 2021/22) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
> Zhaun-Jacques Brynard (WPRA 2020) | University of the Western Cape (UWC)
2021 Competition:
> De-Angelo Williams (WPRA 2017/18) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | COMPETITION WINNERS
> Feighon Snyders (WPRA 2019) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | COMPETITION WINNERS
> Lunathi Nxele (WPRA 2016) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | COMPETITION WINNERS
> Matthew Coenraad (WPRA 2020) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | COMPETITION WINNERS
> Nathan Nkutu (WPRA 2018) | Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) | COMPETITION WINNERS
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