SA Rugby’s recently completed Under-17 Elite Player Development (EPD) camp, attended by 58 players and a large group of the country’s foremost schools’ rugby coaches, was deemed a big success as it marked a significant milestone in the identification and development of the next generation of South Africa’s rugby talent.
The camp, which returned after an extended hiatus of five years due to the impact of COVID-19 as was hosted by Boland Landbou near Wellington, brought together a large group of the country's most promising young players for an intensive, high-performance programme aimed at preparing them for the demanding 2025 schools rugby season.
The camp also served as a clear pathway for coaching development, with current and past SA Schools coaches present, sharing their vast expertise and passion, ensuring players and schools coaches alike benefited from a collaborative high-performance environment.
Ian Schwartz, SA Rugby's General Manager for Participation and Development, which hosted the assembly, highlighted the camp’s pivotal role in shaping the future of rugby in South Africa.
“The U17 EPD camp is not just about showcasing talent, it’s about refining the fundamentals that underpin success at higher levels,” said Schwartz.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to long-term player development, and it’s exciting to see this group of players laying a solid foundation for the future of South African rugby.
“The EPD system has been instrumental in the success of our national teams, including our Rugby World Cup-winning the Springboks, who are one of the few international teams to compete with only locally developed talent.”
Herman Masimla, Senior Manager of Development at SA Rugby, expressed his appreciation for all those involved.
“This camp exemplifies the importance of hard work and perseverance,” said Masimla. “While the talent on display has been exceptional, achieving success at the highest level requires consistent effort, discipline, and resilience.
“I also want to commend the school coaches and officials who made sacrifices to ensure this camp delivered world-class training. Their contributions are integral to the ongoing success of our programme.”
Masimla also encouraged those not selected for the camp to stay motivated: “Not being included in this camp does not mean your journey has ended. Everyone starts at zero, and all players will have a fair opportunity to be considered for their respective U18-Craven Week teams and, eventually, the SA Schools squads.”
This camp reflects SA Rugby's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining excellence at all levels. The U17 EPD programme is not only equipping players with essential skills but also supporting the broader development of South African rugby.
“With this foundation, the future looks bright for the next generation of players and coaches,” added Masimla.