Johannesburg – Despite the economic crunch brought on by Covid-19, there’s been an upsurge in junior recruitment at SA’s rugby franchises.
As franchises continue to build for the future, schools face a tougher road in terms of bursaries.
While austerity is all around, contracting of juniors at unions is increasing.
Bulls have introduced new players into their brand from various junior unions.
They announced that they’d be reuniting 21-year-old Western Province centre David Kriel with his brother, Richard, Representatives of Affies’ Willie Potgiters No 8), Menlopark’s Niel Beukes (scrumhalf) and Monument’s Rynard Mouton (openside flanker). These players have signed their first professional contracts with the Loftus-based union.
Earlier this week, Garsfontein’s slipper flyhalf Carlton Banies and Affies’ Johan Muller also committed to the Bulls’ case.
“If there’s one trend that I’ve noticed in the short period that Covid-19 has been with us, it’s that it’s not affecting junior recruitment,” said Ronnie Cooke, former Cheetahs and Kings centre.
