Support the first team rugby Saturday 6 August at 16:00 Botanies

AWSUM Interview with Christopher Felix first team coach.

What can the school and parents expect from your team this year at Interschools?

Traditionally, the Union side is known for running the ball, this year’s team would not want to disappoint, so the team will definitely be looking to spread the ball and do the set pieces well.

Where is your strength as a team?

In our union as a team.

What is the most difficult part of coaching a school team?

The constant change in players that you are coaching due to injury and a lack of depth as a result of coaching in a small school (strictly looking at numbers). Although injuries are part of the game, it remains a challenge. It is also interesting coaching a new group of boys each year, so a playbook gets changed annually. Each year you need to look and see what you have and design plans around the squad. Lack of finances at smaller schools also makes it tough, as the bigger schools often offer “bursaries” that absolutely kills the competition. In saying that, the basics are uncompromising.

 Why in your opinion, does school rugby get more competitive each year?

The rivalry between schools. The traditions of interschools and the derby matches week after week keep the competition among schools alive. The pride that comes with wearing your school’s 1^st team jersey and the eagerness to please, ensures that school boy rugby gets more competitive each year.

Herewith the Union High School U19 A rugby team 

Aashiq Hartley Lock

Alutho Cekiso Outside Centre

Bubele Thibini (c) Loose Head Prop

Daniel Nell Flank

Hlaki Skepe Fly Half

Ivan Murray Flank

Jaden-Lee Hopps Inside Centre

JJ Liebenberg Hooker

Jude Langmead Left Wing

Kwande Mhlabeni Scrum Half

Liam Langeveldt Lock

Lonwabo Sishuba Right Wing

Mihan Campbell Tight -head Prop

Ruzhé Hendricks (vc) Eighth Man

Siya Badiwe Full Back

Get your digital copy of the AWSUM Interschools paper here: