Development

Township Rugby Youth (TRY) Tournament

Township Rugby Youth (TRY) Tournament is a 10 week rugby tournament comprising 10 Clubs across Gauteng’s Townships, focusing on both Boys & Girls rugby from u13’s to 17’s, starting from the 20th July to 5th October, 2024.

Typically, these tournaments are organised by Rugby playing schools, the majority of which are privileged schools outside of townships, all based in the suburban communities of Gauteng. Unless they have the privilege to attend these suburban schools, township scholars simply run the risk of never playing rugby and thus never realising their potential.

The successful hosting of the Township Rugby Youth (TRY) Tournament will ensure the unearthing of talent where it resides. This will be an opportunity to galvanise the township communities around a different sporting code to soccer that is dominant in South African Townships. This alternative sporting code will go a long way in ensuring all township youth are given an opportunity to express themselves within the game of rugby.

About GLRU Development

GLRU Development is dedicated to broadening access to rugby, specifically targeting young individuals who might not have the opportunity to play otherwise. It provides a structured platform for primary and high school students to engage in the sport through various leagues and initiatives. These include leagues for both boys and girls at the primary and high school levels, with a focus on reaching into townships through the Vuka League. The overarching goal is to ensure that rugby is not just a game for the few but a sport accessible to all, with the Golden Lions Rugby Union affiliations underpinning these efforts to guarantee quality and support. The Get Into Rugby program is pivotal in this mission, actively bringing the game to township-based primary schools, thus planting the seeds of rugby in fertile new grounds.

VUKA

The VUKA Program, a joint venture between the GLRU and SARLA, strives to rejuvenate rugby within local communities by connecting high schools with existing local clubs. This initiative not only reignites community spirit but also creates sustainable rugby development pathways for young athletes.

Get Into Rugby Boys

The "Get Into Rugby Boys" initiative, designed by World Rugby, aims to introduce rugby to primary school learners, especially those who might never have had the chance to play the game. It targets boys and girls from Grades 1-3, with the aspiration that schools will continue the momentum, incorporating rugby into their programs for Grades 4-7, thereby integrating into the broader rugby community. Currently, there are 25 schools participating in the boys' program.

Get Into Rugby Girls

Get Into Rugby Girls" is designed to expand the base of young female participants in the sport. Targeting girls in Grades 4-7, the program connects with high schools, especially in disadvantaged communities, to ensure continuity and growth in participation. The initiative, fully funded by World Rugby through SA Rugby, is currently empowering 20 schools with this girls' program.

O.R.Tambo Soncini Program

The O.R. Tambo Soncini Program, in collaboration with Johannesburg and West Rand Municipalities within the GLRU area, focuses on fostering relationships across the Gauteng population. It provides unique rugby opportunities for both boys and girls under the age of 14 from small schools (with four or fewer rugby teams) and disadvantaged communities, including those involved in the VUKA Schools. This program is about building community bonds through rugby while leveling the playing field for young athletes from less privileged backgrounds.

Golden Lions Invitational Teams

The U16 and U19 programs provide a platform for young players, particularly those from schools and junior clubs that might not typically have access to large-scale rugby festivals, to compete in prestigious Easter Schools Festivals. Through trials held in December, these players are selected for their potential to showcase their skills at events like the Jeppe U16 Festival and the St Johns U18 Festival. This not only elevates their play to a higher level but also gives them exposure they previously lacked. The success of the initiative can be seen in the list of players who have progressed through the system.