Rugby has a bright future in South Africa  – this was clear for all to see when players from all over South Africa  battled with one another at the recent mini-Craven week for U13’s in Bloemfontein.

The well organized event was hosted by the Free State rugby schools committee and took place at the beautiful facilities of Grey College in Bloemfontein.

 

Photo: Gerhard Steenkamp

 

We took the time to enquire a bit more about the event from the organizers.

History: This was the 9th year that this event was hosted by the Free State Rugby Schools Committee. It is a 3 day event taking place over the Thursday, Friday and Saturday and with each team playing 4 games. Unions represented include the Free State, EP, Griquas, Border, Griffons as well as teams from the Border Country Districs and Vrystaat Platteland.

This tournament provides the perfect opportunity for these Unions and coaches to do some final tweaks to their sides for the much anticipated Craven Week for U/13’s [primary schools] to be hosted in Bloemfontein during the June holidays.

 

Photo: Denese Lups

 

Organizational Highlights;

Much work and planning are required to host such an event. The organizers have expressed their appreciation to the sponsors who have made this all possible. These include Protea Hotel Central in Bloemfontein, Coca-Cola, Konica Minolta and Toyota.

 

Emergency Services in Photo by Gerhard Steenkamp

 

A special word of appreciation also goes towards the Emergency Medical Services from ER24 and Medi-Clinic in Bloemfontein. All the referees and assistant referees on duty during the games also needs to be congratulated for their dedication and professionalism.

 

Photo: Denese Lups

 

Photos:

The young players and their parents benefited from professionalism behind the lens as well! Well known professional sports photographer Gerhard Steenkamp from Superimage Media was the official event photographer. Female sports photographer Denese Lups from Rugby15 assisted Gerhard to cover all the clashes on both the A and B fields allowing players and parents to purchase top quality photos of the young stars in action.

 

Photo: Denese Lups

 

Gerhard and Denese are also accredited photgraphers with SARU to cover the England rugby tour to South Africa. Some of these photo have been made available on the Gallery of Rugby15 and Superimage Media.

 

Photo: Denese Lups

 

Photo: Denese Lups