The big news at the WPRFU this week was the launch of the African Bank “BOT”. The African Bank WhatsApp BOT offers our members the facility to register online for their services. Simply save the number ( 0600 942 028 ) and send the word “Hi” to register.
African Bank is offering ten lucky entrants the chance to win airtime or data to the value of R150 weekly.
In addition to the African Bank prizes, we’re giving away a signed DHL Stormers Rugby ball weekly with winners going in the draw to win a signed DHL Stormers Jersey.
This has certainly been an exciting week for global rugby as we saw the return to rugby in New Zealand, unfortunately, we have to wait a little longer in South Africa but we do have our professional players back in training. SA Rugby remains confident that a revised Vodacom Super Rugby competition and the kick-off of the Currie Cup is possible.
Closer to home we have begun testing with our u21 sides as we work to understand their current fitness levels and the impact of lockdown. Thus far the results are impressive as the evidence shows that our online training programs have worked with most of our players fit and with additional muscle mass. Considering the conditions we could not have hoped for more.
On the coaching front, this week launched the online coaching level 2.5 course. This course rolls out first in Super League A and B and is designed to bridge the gap between level two and world rugby level three. On completion of the WP Rugby level 2.5 course, we will consider applicants to register for the level three-course. Next week will see the coaches receive training on the preparation and presentation in the digital media space.
Our DHL Stormers training is happening under very controlled circumstances as we follow the lockdown protocols and governments instruction for non-contact professional sports. SA Rugby has submitted a comprehensive return to play manual to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and we together with many other sports await further instruction.
The future of sports will see clubs adjusting their management teams to ensure that players activity and facilities are compliant with COVID readiness regulations. This will mean players will complete various health questionnaires before training and facilities must have been signed off by compliance officers. Each club would have to ensure that a checklist of requirements has been completed. Additional documents such as registers of individuals would have to be in place.
We strongly recommend that players, coaches and administrators complete the World Rugby players online certification courses to familiarise themselves with the player’s welfare components.
Registrations for the #3Teams1City Super Challenge FIFA 20 tournament series, presented by EsportSA, are now open. The unique tournament features athletes from three of Cape Town’s top sports teams who are gearing up to take on their fans in a digital arena. The DHL Stormers, Cape Cobras and Cape Town City FC are each hosting a FIFA 20 esports challenge. Each team challenge will consist of four qualifying rounds. The top two from each qualifier will progress to the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and ultimately the finals, which will see the teams’ FIFA 20 Esports Super Challenge champions crowned. Sign up here. ACGL.
We remind our clubs that the referee recruitment programme continues as we seek to fulfil our obligation to the referee’s society to provide referees. We request your support in providing the office with the names of at least two standby referee’s.