The past few months have been very hard on our club structures but it’s been quite amazing to see how our club structures have put the wheels in action to help their players as well as local communities. The initial weeks of lockdown saw our coaches and players immediately jump into action to ensure the players remain active. Training programs were sent out, videos were shared and online training sessions were held. Although these have continued we now see many of our club structures turning their attention to the needs of the less fortunate.
As club rugby, we know that our clubs are naturally suited to serve these causes as club structures already have the infrastructure in place. Management and players at clubs understand the concept of fundraising and group support initiatives. Currently, several clubs are doing feeding projects with support from members and sponsors. Whereas before we saw players preparing during the week to play on Saturday, we now see players and management prepare for the next social support initiative.
Please keep us informed of your activities including social initiatives and outreach projects by sending an email to ffelton@wprugby.co.za
Our referee’s structures have remained active with online sessions which sees them now engage with clubs via Zoom or MS Teams. A good example of this is Uni Mil head coach Isma-eel Dollie recently inviting referees to engage with their coaches on the dynamics of refereeing and the needs of referees before during and after match day. Should any club wish to have the WP Referees involved in their online sessions they should contact the manager of referees btheron@wprugby.co.za
Good news for the Boksmart members is that those with Bok smart licenses that are due for renewal this year have been given an extension until next year.
The referee recruitment program continues and clubs are reminded to submit the names of at least two members from their clubs to join the referee’s society. We also recommend that clubs encourage their members to do the World Rugby Laws course. The course is free and upon successful completion, the participant is awarded a certificate. To do the course please visit World Rugby Laws online here
Our WP Rugby 2.5 course was unfortunately postponed last week due to load shedding but continued this week with the coaches looking at planning and schedule preparation. Next week will see 
each coach doing individual presentations.
We will shortly begin online sessions with our regional structures which will see us discuss the 2020 season, preparing for lotto applications, upcoming online workshops such as our media, marketing and sponsorship workshops and various other activities to support our members.
Our members are reminded of the fantastic benefits with African Bank and to enter the competition to win a signed DHL Stormers Rugby Ball and go in the draw to win a Signed DHL Stormers Jersey. The process is very easy, sign up for any of the African Bank services by simply sending the word “Hi” to 060 094 2028.