This pilot clinic formed the first phase of the Sevens rugby legacy programme which is a prospective initiative between Mpho Mbiyozo and Sporting Chance. The Sevens rugby legacy programme will evolve over a series of phases with the aim to create excitement around the game of rugby Sevens, elevating the games profile and adding weight to the bid to make it an Olympic sport in 2016. In addition the legacy programme will be focused on mentoring identified talent and giving them the opportunities that have been afforded to Mpho through rugby and specifically the Sevens game.

The first day started with each child receiving a Sporting Chance t-shirt and a light snack before taking to the rugby field with tremendous enthusiasm and in awe of their Springbok heroes. The clinic ran to a structured program with the Sporting Chance and Lagunya coaches taking charge and putting the youngsters through their paces. The early morning warm up and shuttles ensured that they were ready to take on the specially adapted Springbok Sevens drills with inspirational instructions and expert knowledge being passed on from two of South Africa’s leading Sevens players.

The noticeable increase in skill and ability during day two was fantastic to see and it was clear the participants benefited and learned new skills from their coaches and Springbok mentors. Overall, this pilot clinic was a huge success and has proven to be a good starting point for the prospective Sevens Legacy Programme.

Sporting Chance, together with the Springboks Sevens captains Mpho Mbiyozo and Mzwandile Stick, will host a Sevens Rugby coaching clinic in the Western Cape community of Nyanga. This will take place in conjunction with the Lagunya Rugby club to promote the game of sevens in the community and give talented players the opportunity to be introduced to the game. The clinic is the start of a partnership between Sporting Chance and Mpho Mbiyozo whose aim is to give talented rugby players an opportunity that was afforded to him through the game.

The long term aim of the program is to identify athletes with potential to be successful in rugby and to provide them with the necessary skills to develop their natural talent under the guidance from Mpho and Sporting Chance.

DATES AND TIMES:

Rugby 7’s clinic with Springbok 7’s captain’s – Mpho Mbiyozo & Mzwandile Stick           

Dates:                                  Mon 6^th & Tues 7^th July

Venue:                                 Nyanga Stadium

Time:                                    09h00 – 13h00