147 Rugby The preparation for the 2023 season kicked off with a highly successful tour to the Eastern Free State for the 1st, U16A and U15A teams. They competed against Hoërskool Voortrekker (Bethlehem) and Hoërskool Hentie Cilliers (Virginia), marking a change from our usual destination of Northern-KZN. Many of our teams have been involved in various other tours during the Easter holidays, and the respective coaches will provide detailed reports in the articles that will follow in this publication. I am pleased to report that Kearsney was able to field18 teams on most weekends - seven Open teams, four U14 teams, four U15 teams and three in the U16 age group. The U16A squad experienced a tough year results-wise, but the players showed huge progress and development during the season. The U15A team was crowned the most successful team of the 2023 season, and the U14A team also recorded a successful season. We are also proud of some individual performances and selections. The following players were selected to represent various Sharks teams at the Inter-provincial tournaments: Craven Week team: Devahn van der Walt and Siso France Academy Week U17: Cameron Veenstra, Roydan Madatt, Connor McIntyre and Anele Cele Academy Week U18 Invitation XV: Heinrich Fourie Rhino Week U15:Lwazi Mbebe, Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Lwandile Mkhize The following Kearsney rugby staff were involved in various capacities with the abovementioned teams: Messrs Dean Moodley, Neil van Heerden, Kwanele Ngema, Divesh Sookdeo and Terernce Boyce. We were pleased to welcome several new coaches to our coaching structures: Messrs Keegan Daniel (former Springbok and Sharks captain), Terrence Boyce, Kwanele Ngema, Sanele Ngema, Bennie Pietersen, Stephan Joubert, Jody Saayman and Ayanda Duma. These gents did a sterling job and we wish them a long and happy stay at Kearsney. The season was concluded with a fiercely contested inter-house competition. Congratulations to the winning House Pembroke, followed by Gillingham, Finningley and Sheffield. It was great to witness the competitiveness of our players as they did their best for their respective houses. In preparation for the 2024 First XV season, Kearsney participated in the Independent Schools Rugby Festival, hosted by St Andrew’s Bloemfontein during the July holidays. We used the opportunity to expose and develop U17 players who will play an important role next season. The group performed admirably, and a detailed report appears at the end of this report. Sevens rugby continues to be an important opportunity to develop our rugby at the school. The coaches’ reports appear elsewhere in this publication. I sincerely thank the coaches, Messrs De Kock, Mtembu, van Heerden, Daniel and van As for their commitment and efforts. In closing, and as I have come to the end of my stint as Director of Rugby, I would like to thank the Kearsney management, coaches, supporting and conditioning staff, estate personnel and all the players over the past two decades for their commitment and support during this memorable time. Serving this institution has been an honour and privilege, and I savour the fond memories. Kearsney is embarking on a much-needed new route of specialisation and a full-time position as the Director of Rugby, coupled with some other exciting initiatives, to ensure our competitiveness in a more professional sporting environment. Mr Barend Steyn Director of Rugby RUGBY 1ST TEAM Back row (L-R): Jack Rankin, Heinrich Fourie, David Pohl, Daniel Eagar 3rd row: Abdul Mahomed, Roydan Madatt, Connor McIntyre, Salusiwe Mqobongo, Callum Steer 2nd row: Likhona Nunwana, Lindokuhle Mpungose, Sange Mdunyelwa, James Francke, Chad Croshaw, Junior Dlamini Front row: Luca Veronesi, Mr Mike de Kock, Devahn van der Walt, Mr Neil van Heerden, Siso France, Mr Tera Mtembu, Anele Cele 1st XV Rugby The coaches met early during the off-season to brainstorm and formulate a plan that would best suit our strengths. We presented this plan to the players and worked hard during the off-season to improve our skills and knowledge of the game. We set out the season with the goal of growing from boys into men. We aimed to use our privilege of playing for the One-Stripe not for our own gain, but to benefit those in our community. Results are important, but learning from our losses and owning up to our mistakes was prioritised. While the results often didn’t go our way, whether by the bounce of the ball or a lapse in concentration, this season will not be remembered by a single highlight or match. Instead, the ability of the players to keep working hard and stay the course despite disappointments will be remembered by those who were a part of this team. Character, tenacity and grit were plentiful. Our first home game of the season vs Clifton, where we revenged last year’s loss, with a solid 19-0 scoreline, was a sweet victory. Seven players were chosen to represent the province. Devahn van der Walt and Siso France were chosen to represent KZN at the Craven Week, while Anele Cele, Roydan Madatt, Cameron Veenstra, Heinrich Fourie and Connor McIntyre were all chosen to represent the province at the Academy Week. Special mention must go to Luca Veronesi, who not only played a major role in terms of his strength and power on the field, but also always remained a positive influence on the junior players on the team. I sincerely thank the entire squad for their dedication and drive. A huge thanks to the assistant coaches, Messrs Mtembu and de Kock, Mr AJ Roos (strength and conditioning) and Mr Grant Williams (physio) for their countless sacrifices in investing in these young men.
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