School’s rugby academy kicks off

[caption id="attachment_72310" align="alignright" width="300"] DOWN TO BUSINESS: Celebrating the launch of the Despatch High Rugby Academy are, from left, pupil Dylan Thomson, Malcolm Jaer, Danie Gerber, Edgar Marutlulle and CJ van der Linde Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN -[/caption]

BOASTING a rich rugby history, Despatch’s future received a boost last week when the Despatch High Rugby Academy was launched.

Former Springboks Danie Gerber, Robbi Kempson and CJ van der Linde, as well as several EP Kings players, attended the launch of the academy, which is aimed at improving the school’s rugby across various platforms.

The three pillars of the academy’s mission are to focus on the players’ conditioning, the development of their skills, and the theory of the game to enrich their insight into the sport.

Despatch High boasts an accredited Crossfit Gymnasium under the management of former pupil Heinrich Deysel.

The gym will play an integral role in the conditioning of the players to ensure they reach their full potential.

Yesterday the players underwent a test of their skills, with legendary rugby names such as Gerber, Adri Geldenhuys, Fabian Juries and Wayne van Heerden passing on their knowledge.

The academy will also give pupils the opportunity to develop their coaching and refereeing skills through various International Rugby Board courses to be presented.

The aim is to help with the development of the players, irrespective of their backgrounds. The academy will also provide accommodation for 10 players who live outside the precincts of the town.

-Sports Reporter