Photo by Jorina Raath/Speedshots.co.za
We visited the Centurion Academy's Rugby Academy and spoke to Werner Steyn who is the Head of the Department. It is clear that this academy delivers what they promise, however, what was interesting was that a formal learning institution apart from the "normal" universities are willing to invest in rugby. As expected academics are very important with players that do not perform academically will be suspended from the rugby activities.
An effort is made by Werner to identify talent from the often not recognised rugby schools or as I said "he is willing to go and look for talent in the dustbins of South African schoolboy rugby" without discarding talent from the top schools 2ndXV. All in an effort to give back to rugby.
A brilliant program offered, and as the academy group is not massive it can guarantee quality coaching backed up by exposure at the top of the club structures in Blue Bull country. We did not agree during the entire interview but this is definitely an option for a boy who did not receive a union contract. But beware they only allow kids who are academically strong and have the talent to excel on the rugby field.
The first part of the show we discuss the "Arabiere" who is looking to invest in French club rugby, look at some brilliant match-ups in the 2021 Noord/Suid Festival and then Bart and I disagree in a politically correct manner on the use of rugby statistics.