What an amazing experience it has been thus far for two ruckheads like us! We are based at Kings Park, the principality of the Super 15 franchise - THE SHARKS - in ...the beautiful province of Kwa Zulu Natal, RSA.
There are 30 of us, from all around the world attending this prestigious academy. Highly qualified coaches like director Hans Scriba, together with former Springboks Deon Kayzer and Ettiene Fynn this week made us realize - with their rugby knowledge abound - just how fortunate we are to be here! Not even mentioning the presence and example set by living legends like Bismarck du Plessis and "THE BEAST", who are always willing to lend a hand or ear, with their ever-present smiles.
Now it hasn't just been ALL rugby, we got to see the Cheetahs take on the SHARKS at home in front of
50 000 rugby mad supporters. Unbelievable atmosphere and rugby culture! The union gave us VIP Box tickets, we watched in style, still close enough to the pitch so we could hear every single bone crunching tackle, normally led by either one of the gruesome two-some: BIZZIE OR BEAST!!!
Ok seriously though, spare time we have had, which included outings to ITALA NATURE RESERVE and GAME LODGE. We also did Durban harbour and a couple of local pubs. This week we will be looking at line-outs, scrums and the things that make tight 5's like ourselves smile all the way!
Thanks for all the well wishes and positivity sent by all! P.s. For those that are wondering who wrote this. . . Well it's a collaboration of sorts!!! Between phone calls with my Dad and Coach Pienaar and the two of us filling in the spots, here we have our first update for those following the KAIWHANA Rugby site and FACEBOOK Page!