Under 15 rugby tournament officially open

MOSSEL BAY NEWS FLASH - Mossel Bay's Executive Mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira this afternoon, 5 October, officially opened the U/15 Iqhawe rugby tournament which for the first time forms part of the annual Mossel Bay sports Festival.

In the first game of the tournament the Western Cape just managed a win over the Pumas with a score of 6:3. Then the Lions (12) had to bow the knee to the Blue Bulls (27). Just before the dignitaries arrived, the Boland team, however, gave the Free State a proper beating when the final score tallied 51:0.

Alderlady Ferreira reiterated her wish that the Mossel Bay Sports Festival, which has grown from 26 participating sporting codes to 37 in 2015, will serve to stimulate the local economy while in general promoting a healthier lifestyle.

"You are already winners just for having been selected to participate in this tournament. Use the opportunity of taking part in a structured tournament to have your talents noticed. Fittingly the tournament takes place in the Rugby World Cup year, use this as your motivation," the mayor said.

Teams from all 14 rugby provinces are competing in the Iqhawe tournament that is organised by the SA Rugby Legends in conjunction with the South African Rugby Union (SARU). It is hosted in Mossel Bay by the South Western District.

It gives provincial teams drawn from non-traditional rugby schools the opportunity to aspire to greater sporting prowess and to advance in their game and ultimately their sporting careers. The young players selected to participate in the Iqhawe tournament receive official colours from their repective provinces and rugby scouts and erstwhile Springbok rugby players are on hand to spot talented players.

Tournament coordinator, the former Springbok centre Pieter Muller said the Rugby Legends has been on the forefront of creating opportunities for young talent.

An interesting off-field programme will offer the participating players the opportunity to meet with Ex-Springbok Rassie Erasmus, Stephan Terblanche, Braam van Straated, Bevan fortuin and Anton Leonard.

On Wednesday residents can watch the group when they will form a mass march down Marsh Street with both Bokkie and Arni, rugby mascots joining the parade.