Win a Full Rugby Bursary with UXi Sport and Heart FM!

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news from the world of sport education! On Saturday, August 19th, our dedicated and passionate UXi Sport COO, Thea Miller, took to the airwaves on Heart FM’s Super Saturday sports show with the dynamic host, Jeremy Harris. During this electrifying segment, Thea Miller made a remarkable announcement that is set to change the life of one talented student-athlete forever.

Introducing the 100% Bursary Competition – an eXtraordinary opportunity for aspiring student-athletes to receive a full bursary worth an impressive R130 000. The lucky winner of this competition will have the chance to embark on a transformative journey through the esteemed UXi Rugby Institutes, renowned for their eXceptional commitment to fostering rugby talent and education.

Sharing the studio spotlight with Thea Miller and Jeremy Harris was none other than the remarkable Ricardo ‘Tricky Ricky’ Duarttee, a true eXemplar of the success that awaits those who pass through the doors of the UXi Rugby Institutes. Duarttee was a student at the UXi Western Province Rugby Academy in 2021, just one year prior to his Springbok Sevens selection!

Jeremy Harris, brimming with enthusiasm, eXpressed his eXcitement at the news of this bursary competition. He noted that with the coveted full bursary, which covers enrollment in any of the six prestigious UXi Rugby Institutes, the winner will undoubtedly find themselves in esteemed company. Notable rugby luminaries such as the Springbok World Cup-bound duo Kurt-Lee Arendse and Grant Williams, alongside the sensational 2023 Rookie of the Year, Ricardo ‘Tricky Ricky’ Duarttee, all proudly hail as graduates of the UXi Rugby Institutes.

Here’s how you can seize this incredible opportunity:

  1. Create a 60-90 second video showcasing your rugby prowess, whether it’s a display of your nimble side-stepping, impeccable tackling skills, or your awe-inspiring kicking abilities.
  2. Conclude your video by saying, “Don’t forget to tune into Super Saturday on Heart 104.9 FM with Jeremy Harris. UXi Sport – Rugby Education at its best.”
  3. Share your video on social media and make sure to tag UXi Sport, Heart FM, and Jeremy Harris on both Instagram and Facebook.

This unparalleled opportunity is eXclusively open to players who will reach 18 years of age by December 31, 2023. Terms and conditions apply. The eagerly awaited announcement of the lucky winner will take place on September 9, 2023.

We wish all aspiring rugby stars the very best of luck. This could be your chance to shine on the rugby field and embark on an eXtraordinary journey of growth and success with UXi Sport and Heart FM!

/by

Meet Monty Dumond: Elevating WPRA Into a New Era of Excellence

Introducing Monty Dumond, a seasoned addition to the UXi WPRA family, who steps into the role of WPRA Manager with a wealth of eXperience and a commitment to driving us toward new heights and continuous eXcellence.

Did you know that Monty’s journey in the realm of sports began at an early age when he proudly adorned the North West Province athletics colours? Monty’s passion for eXcellence only grew from there, and he left an undeniable mark on the sporting world during his high school years, commanding a spot in the 1st teams for both cricket and rugby. Monty stood at the forefront of the action during the Craven Week, playing an integral and pivotal role as a cornerstone player within the Leopards Rugby Union team.

In 2001, Monty’s skills caught the eye, earning him a coveted spot in the U/19 Springbok squad – the absolute height of Junior rugby! The same year witnessed his impactful contributions to the Sharks U/19 and U/21 Currie Cup teams, showcasing his skills, versatility and dedication to the game. As if that wasn’t enough, he secured his place as a vital member of the Crusaders’ 1st team, even earning the prestigious South African Award for top U/21 scorer!

Monty Dumond kicking for the Griquas

Beyond the eXhilarating chapters of his playing career, Monty delved into diverse opportunities, making his mark with the Sharks, WP Vodacom squads, and the Parma Italy Super 10 League from 2004 to 2005. His journey eXtended beyond borders, influencing teams like France’s Aurillac, the Pumas, and Griquas.

Monty’s journey took an inspiring turn as he ventured into coaching. Imagine the wealth of knowledge he brings – a journeyman who has treaded the paths to success. He has played for the highest levels of rugby and now imparts his wisdom to rising talents. His coaching roles with Hamiltons Rugby Club, Unimil, Boland and the Rhinos Rugby California U/18 teams underline his dedication to nurturing potential and developing eXcellence.

Monty Dumond playing for the Sharks

As Monty takes the reins as the WPRA Manager, his wealth of eXperience comes to the forefront. He represents the essence of why our coaches matter – they’ve walked the walk, weathered the challenges, and reached the pinnacles of rugby. Monty’s leadership promises to continue to steer the WPRA toward a future marked by eXcellence, dedication, and a passion for the sport that knows no bounds!

/by

Shield Success at the Namibian Momentum National Youth Rugby Invitational Tournament

The UXi Sport Western Province Rugby Academy was in for an exceptional experience as they were invited by Gravity Sport to partake in the renowned Momentum National Youth Rugby Invitational Tournament held in Windhoek, Namibia. Twenty-three of our talented U/19 UXi WPRA players were selected to represent the Academy in this eXhilarating tournament, where four U/19 Namibian school teams and four South African touring teams battled it out for the coveted winner’s trophy. The tournament, hosted at Windhoek High School, spanned across the second week of July.

Our UXi WPRA team embarked on an epic journey, enduring a lengthy bus ride of 1,474 km, spanning over 23 hours, to reach Windhoek. Despite the long travel, the eXperience proved to be immensely rewarding. Our team resided together in the Windhoek High School hostel, fostering a strong bond among the players as they prepared for the challenging matches that awaited them.

In their opening match, the UXi WPRA displayed outstanding performance, securing a convincing victory against Technical High School Windhoek. We eXtend heartfelt congratulations to Junior Malaza, who earned the well-deserved Man of the Match title for his remarkable debut performance, scoring a hat trick (3 tries) in the game. Although the team faced narrow defeats in their next two matches, their resilience and determination led them to the Shield Finals, competing for third place. With an impressive display of skill and teamwork, they emerged triumphant against the host school, WHS, claiming the Shield!

Here’s a recap of the team’s scores:
Match 1: UXi WPRA 64 – 19 Technical High School Windhoek
Match 2: UXi WPRA 35 – 39 Curro Windhoek Gymnasium
Match 3: UXi WPRA 15 – 21 Windhoek Afr Private School
SHIELD FINALS: UXi WPRA 34 – 8 Windhoek High School

Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce that seven of our WPRA players were selected for the prestigious Gravity Sports “Barbarian teams”, who competed against each other as part of the tournament’s proceedings. These teams comprised of the top players selected from the tournament, showcasing the immense talent of our athletes.

The “Fly Namibia Jets,” coached by our very own Jason Hector (Director of the UXi Rugby Institutes), included: Joshua Fritz, Andre Beukes, Lethan Rhodes, and Junior Malaza. The “Momentum Rhinos,” coached by our dedicated Morne Booyens (UXi Player Recruitment Consultant), included: JD Gouws, Ashton Plaatjies, and Bubele Thibini.

What an eXtraordinary eXperience it was! A community of like-minded individuals united by their passion for rugby came together, fuelled by the spirit of competition. We applaud all our players, coaches and management for their unwavering dedication, eXceptional skills displayed on the field, and their embodiment of the true essence of UXi RI. The event serves as a reminder that the path to athletic greatness is not about perfection, but about rising above challenges, overcoming adversity, and pushing forward.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Gravity Sport for their generous sponsorship throughout the tournament. Your support made this incredible journey possible, and we deeply appreciate our partnership. It is a joy to reflect on the unforgettable memories created, the friendships forged, and the invaluable lessons learned. May we return stronger, more determined, and better than ever before!

/by

Cross-Border U20 Club Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 April 2023 – The Blue Bulls Rugby Union and UXi Sports International Rugby Institutes are excited to announce their partnership in creating the Cross-Border U20 Club Competition. The competition features 21 teams in three sections including North, South, and Central regions from the Blue Bulls, Cheetahs, Pumas, Griquas, Valke, Leopards, and Western Province Rugby Unions.

The competition officially gets underway on 14 April with only the North Section teams in action, the following day it will be the South Section sides while the Central region will have its first match on 15 April. The final will be contested on 30 Sept following the quarter- and semi-finals being played on 16 and 23 Sept, respectively.

“At the BBRU (Blue Bulls Rugby Union) one of our strategic goals is to make club rugby relevant again,” said Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. “Research has shown that up to 93 percent (%) of rugby players stop playing when they have left school. “We hope that this competition will encourage more school leavers to join their local clubs and academies and that it will also be a pathway to provincial and even professional rugby for both players and coaches. The Cross-Border U20 Club Competition is an important addition to the rugby calendar. This competition will give our young club players the opportunity and platform to showcase their skills and talent.”

The sponsorship agreement allows for a hosting fee of R 50 000 for each participating club and R500 000 in prize money for the top-performing teams.

Strauss continues: “Without sponsors no competition is possible. We are delighted that the partnership with UXi Sport is making this tournament possible. I would like to thank UXi Sport for their involvement in the competition. The hope is that through the involvement of UXi Sport we can grow U20 club rugby in South Africa. The investment by UXI Sport in the young rugby talent of South Africa is massive and will contribute to growing the game at the U20 level. This tournament is aimed at growing the game at community level by creating opportunities for late bloomers and non-contracted junior players in South Africa.”

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new tournament,” Thea Miller, COO of UXi Sport, said. “Our aim is to create opportunities for young rugby players to develop their skills and fulfill their potential. The Cross-Border U20 Club Competition is a fantastic initiative that will enable us to do just that. Through this initiative, we support our local communities, who have been the backbone of club rugby talent, spectator support, and instrumental in the sports economy of South Africa.

“We dedicate this competition to every rugby player, especially those in the academy systems across the country, who has dreams and ambitions but are limited by not being afforded opportunities after school. My dream is that all Provincial Unions become part of this initiative.”

Some of these matches will be live-streamed on the SuperSport Schools, more details on this will follow soon.

// ENDS

For more info on the Cross-Border U20 Club Competition:
Richard Janse van Rensburg
Tournament Director
082 673 3247
[email protected]

Cross-Border U20 Club Competition
/0 Comments/by