Swaziland Rugby

Teacher/Coaches attending the Workshop: Bonginkosi Dlamini, Mavis Simelane, Zakele Zondo, Sbu Nkambule

Members of the Defense Force at their first Rugby training session

 The Swaziland Rugby Union and the Swaziland Defence force “joined ranks” yesterday as the Rugby Union kicked off its latest training and Development programme initiative by taking the game of Rugby to the Kingdoms Defence Force.

Following the amazing 98-0 defeat of Carolina by the Swaziland Presidents Select in Carolina South Africa, loose forward Marias Uys was voted Man of the Match. Team Captain, Mark Pocock said it was difficult to select one player as the whole team played extremely well, but Marias stood out for the whole ninety minutes.

The Swaziland Rugby Unions Presidents Select narrowly missed hitting the 100 mark in their 98-0 defeat of Carolina over the weekend. Rugby Union President Michael Collinson said he was very surprised when he was told the score; the highest score recorded by a Swaziland side was 76-12 against Komatipoort eight years ago, but 98-0! The side has been training hard on fitness and I was told this played a huge part. The team must be praised for their efforts and special praise and thanks goes to team Captain Mark Pocock for all his commitment in preparing the whole squad.

The Rhino’s Rugby Club from Manzini took the trophy at the Junior Club Rugby Tournament held at Malkerns over the weekend, beating the Scorpions 15-10 in a hard fought final. Both teams played very hard running rugby and the final was anyone’s to win, but the Rhino’s ran in a late try to take the game. Seven teams from different parts of the Kingdom participated in the tournament, The Kudu’s from Mhlume, Scorpions from Nhlangano, The Wolves from Bhunya, Rhino’s from Manzini, Saints from Lobamba, Elephants from Luve, Vondo’s from Malkerns, Schools Rugby Chairlady, Mavis Simelane said she was delighted with the tournament and of the commitment of the teams to travel to Malkerns and play. All the teams played well and the Rhino’s were fortunate to be the victors in the end, added Simelane. SRU President, Mike Collinson praised the team coaches for their efforts in preparing their teams for the tournament. The standard of Rugby is improving and this is evident at every tournament we hold. The next tournament on the SRU calendar will be the Club U/16’s Tournament to be held in Malkerns.

2008 saw the signing up of a new Rugby team in Swaziland, the Bhunya Wolves coached by Bonginkosi Dlamini applied to be recognized by the Swaziland Rugby Union. Union President, Michael Collinson said he was delighted to welcome the Wolves into the Swaziland Rugby family and thanked Bonginkosi for all his efforts and commitment in bringing the Wolves together. Bongi has been working with the Swaziland Rugby Union for the past three years now and has coached two of the best sides in Swaziland, the Elephants and Rhinos. Bongi was the driving force behind both teams’ successes at the Junior Club Tournaments and no doubt he will do the same for the Bhunya Wolves, said Collinson. New Wolves coach Dlamini said he would try is best to repeat his past successes and with the pool of players I have at my disposal the Wolves will be the team to watch this year.

Malindi Dlamini was chosen as the Swaziland Rugby Union player of the tournament at the recent Sasol 7’s held in Secunda South Africa. Sevens coach Michael Nann said the Man of the Tournament was a difficult choice to make, but Malindis work rate and commitment on the field and the fact he scored seven tries made him the best player for the award.

Swaziland in red shirts

The Swaziland Rugby Union held a Rugby Fun Day last Saturday and hosted a team from Maputo. The day turned out to be a hot one, but this did not dampen the player’s spirits. Rugby was played even in the blistering heat of the midday. Swaziland Rugby Union President, Mike Collinson said he was very happy with the turn out and thanked the players for braving the heat. We had the U/19’s and a few U/16’s players playing and it was good to see all the players enjoying themselves.