For immediate release
Boland Rugby Union champions youth development through Get Into Rugby festival
Boland Rugby Union will again aim to impact youth sports development when it hosts its annual Get Into Rugby (GIR) Festival at the Boland Rugby Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, 3 May 2025.
120 learners from 10 schools will attend the event while a second festival, planned for later in the year, will include all 25 schools participating in the GIR programme in Boland.
Get Into Rugby is a programme created by World Rugby and implemented by SA Rugby as part of its development pathway in conjunction with its member union, Boland Rugby.
This programme aims to grow the game globally by introducing children to rugby in a safe and inclusive environment. Boland Rugby Union has been a proud implementer of this initiative for the past two years, with a proven track record of excellence and community engagement.
“This festival is about more than rugby – it’s about giving children from all backgrounds, especially those in under-resourced communities, a chance to belong, to grow, and to dream,” said Mr David Coert, Manager, Get Into Rugby, Boland Rugby. “We invite the media and the wider community to join us on the day to witness how rugby is being used as a tool to change lives.”
The day’s programme will begin at 08:30 with school registrations and a warm welcome over tea and coffee. A highlight will be the interactive session between learners and Boland Cavaliers players, offering the children an up-close experience with their sporting heroes. From 10:00 to 13:10, the action shifts to the field as teams compete in a sevens format, with two simultaneous matches taking place on divided sections of the A-field.
Mr Bennie van Rooi, President of Boland Rugby Union, emphasised the initiative’s long-term vision: “We believe in building the future of rugby by investing in our youth today. The Get Into Rugby programme is creating pathways for talent while also instilling the values of discipline, teamwork, and respect.”
Since its implementation, the GIR programme in Boland has reached over 9,000 learners, with 4,394 participating in 2024 alone. The Union also prioritises capacity building, with over 25 active coaches in the system. This ensures not only access but also the sustainability of youth development in rugby.
Ms Celly Peters, who heads Rugby Development at Boland Rugby Union, noted, “It’s very rewarding to see how the programme empowers learners and coaches. We aim to create an ecosystem where everyone involved in the game can grow.”
The GIR Festival is open to media, sponsors, community leaders, and rugby fans who wish to support and celebrate the game’s future.
For media accreditation or more information, please contact press@marchmoonmedia.com