Parktown Boys and Helpmekaar Kollege gear up for thrilling rugby school festivals

As the highly anticipated Schools Rugby Festivals approach, the rugby teams of Parktown Boys’ High School and Helpmekaar Kollege are both preparing for what promises to be exciting and competitive events.

Gearing up for success
First-team head coach Sean Clay, of Parktown Boys’ High School, taking part in the KES Easter Rugby festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, highlighting its significance as a prestigious platform for players to demonstrate their skills.

“Festivals of this nature are special and prestigious, and gain a lot of attention,” Clay noted. “I want the boys to show the public how talented they are.”

The event offers an invaluable opportunity for the players to compete against top teams, and earn recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Clay shared his excitement for the chance to play against teams from outside their province. “Playing against teams we wouldn’t normally face allows us to test our skills and strategies,” he said.

The team’s preparations have been intense, with the players committing to rigorous training since October last year. With four gym sessions and four field sessions a week, the boys have shown incredible dedication to ensuring they are in peak condition for the festival.

Despite facing challenges, such as adverse weather conditions limiting access to training fields, the team has remained resilient. “We’ve had to resort to training on squash courts, corners of cricket fields, hockey AstroTurfs, and indoor gyms,” Clay explained. These obstacles have only strengthened the team’s adaptability and determination.

A key strength of Parktown Boys’ High School’s rugby team is their strong sense of camaraderie. “We have built up a great team culture. The spirit and unity in the team is really strong right now,” Clay emphasised. “The team is like a close-knit family of brothers who are prepared to fight for each other.” This unity will be crucial as they aim to make their mark at the festival.

Clay set clear expectations for the team. “Our goal is to win all our games at the festival,” he said, underlining the team’s commitment to excellence and their ambition to perform at the highest level. As the festival approaches, Clay expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete, noting: “We are eternally grateful for a team of healthy boys, who have been given the opportunity to showcase what they can do.”

Strong foundations and adaptability
Helpmekaar Kollege’s first team, under the leadership of head coach RJ Liebenberg who is poised and ready to play in the St Stithians Easter Rugby Festival, has also been diligently preparing.

Liebenberg expressed confidence in the team’s progress, stating: “Preparation has been good and consistent. We have laid down the foundations and are confident that we will reap the rewards from the hard work done.”

The team has proven to be versatile, with Liebenberg describing them as ‘all-rounders’, who can adapt to any situation. “We are a well-balanced side; in cricket terms, we are all-rounders. So, we will react to what we get on the day,” he said. This adaptability is expected to be an essential asset as the team navigates the challenges that come with the festival.
Helpmekaar Kollege has also faced logistical challenges in the past, and Liebenberg acknowledged the importance of careful planning.

“Logistics is always a challenge, so, we had to ensure planning was accurate to maximize our time on the field in preparation for the festival,” he explained. With meticulous planning in place, the team is ready to give their best performance.
Looking ahead, Liebenberg expressed his optimism for the festival. “We are grateful to play rugby and for the opportunity it presents,” he said.

“We hope that the players enjoy the games and that, from that enjoyment, we can build good momentum.”

Liebenberg also praised the coaching staff and the players’ commitment to the team. “The coaching staff is exceptional. The planning and effort are top-notch. The players’ commitment to the plan, and their hard work, has been outstanding,” he concluded.

As the festivals approach, both Parktown Boys’ High School and Helpmekaar Kollege are well-prepared and eager to showcase their talent and teamwork.