The Get Into Rugby Festival in Cape Town held last week proved to be a success for headline sponsor Engen, who are also the proud fuel sponsor of the Springboks.
A total of 336 children along with teachers and parents gathered at the Voorbrug Sports Field in Delft on 13 September 2023 to participate in non-contact sevens matches showcasing the skills they have developed over the past season.
The boys and girls, aged 11 to 13, were learners from 24 schools in the Delft and Langa areas of Cape Town.
Current Springboks Lukhanyo Am, Joseph Dweba, Evan Roos, and Salmaan Moerat were on hand in Delft to inspire and mentor the young players, some of whom may emulate the foursome by donning the famed green and gold jersey in years to come.
Get Into Rugby is SA Rugby’s grassroots development programme, sponsored by Engen, with the aim of growing the game in townships and rural areas throughout South Africa.
The Cape Town edition of Get Into Rugby was the final festival of the eight hosted across South Africa in 2023.
Gavin Smith, Engen’s head of external communications, said: “While Get into Rugby is certainly about discovering the rich talent we have in the country, it is also about life skills, leadership and teamwork as well as hard work, dedication and discipline.
“The learning of these important skills will help support South Africa’s young people as they find their place in a complex and competitive world.”
Engen is a committed supporter of sports development, with its sports sponsorship also extending to youth soccer, through the Engen Knockout Challenge and Engen Champ of Champs.