Not being selected for provincial school rugby teams did not deter young player’s as they just chose another form of rugby, Touchies
According to Robin-Leigh Jantjies the boys that were chosen for the Western Cape team that participated in the South African Touch Nationals achieved something remarkable through passion, determination, and teamwork.
“These boys, who were not selected for the WP Craven Week, came together under the guidance of coach labeeb Levy and coach Wesley Jantjies through a local development association.
“Over the past few weeks, they trained diligently and earned their place to compete in the Junior Interprovincial Touch Tournament hosted by SA Touch Boks in Durban this recently. Competing in the u-13 category, the team faced several challenges, including losing a player to injury just three weeks before the tournament. Despite this, the spirit of inclusion and resilience within the sport shone through — the injured player was signed up by the Western Cape Touch Association as a designated referee. He was formally assessed and is now officially the youngest referee in SA Touch to hold a Level 1 qualification — at just 12 years old,” says Jantjies.
Against all odds
Against the odds, the team went on to win the u-13 tournament, with one of the boys being named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the entire event. “This story is not just about sport — it’s about opportunity, inclusivity, and the power of development platforms to give every child a chance to shine, no matter their background or initial setbacks.
Wesley Jantjies, coach says he is very proud of what the team achieved. “The children when through a very rigorous selection phase to get into the team and winning the tournament was a great achievement. I think touch rugby is tougher than fifteens or sevens, because you play at high pace for 40 minutes. I want to encourage young rugby players to play touch rugby because it improves decision making, handling skills, teamwork and communication. Players of any size and background can play touch rugby,” says Wesley.
He says world class players like Damian Willemse (Springbok) and Hashim Pead played touch rugby in their younger days.
The Western Cape team beat the team from Kwazulu Natal Impis 12-2 in the final.
