Vuka rugby programme rolled out in Boland region

Mar 27 • General News, National • 1584 Views • Comments Off on Vuka rugby programme rolled out in Boland region

The Vuka Rugby programme – a joint development initiative between the SA Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) and SA Rugby – has been rolled out in the Boland region as the programme aims to expand its footprint to all 14 provincial unions in the next few months.

The launch of the Vuka initiative in the Boland, means the programme is now operational at 12 provincial unions. It will be rolled out in the Mpumalanga and Border regions next, which will see the development initiative running nationally.

Vuka offers rugby training and grassroots level competition in regions that have traditionally not had the opportunity or structure to offer rugby as a sport for both boys and girls.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said the launch of the Vuka Programme in the Boland region is fantastic news.

“The region boasts a wealth of talented and passionate rugby players, so it is very exciting that new players will be exposed to the sport so that the game can develop further in the Western Cape and countrywide,” said Roux.

“Growing the game at grassroots level remains one of our top priorities, and the Vuka programme plays a significant role in achieving this, so we are delighted that it will soon include all 14 provincial unions.”

Vuka co-ordinator Jessie Claassen said: “This is a very proud moment for us at SARLA. It has been nine years in the making to get to this point of having the programme running throughout the country.

“In 2017 over 17000 boys and girls participated in the Vuka programme at 11 rugby unions with 463 schools and 330 coaches involved. This year we will have 574 schools in the Under-15 age group and 238 schools in the Under-17 to Under-19 age groups.

“The programme also develops coaches, rugby administrators and referees, in line with SA Rugby’s Strategic Transformation objectives,” said Claassen.