Latest news with #DanieRossouwRugbyTour
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
From schoolboy rugby to Italy Jason Hendricks takes his first international step
Hoërskool Birchleigh's Jason Hendricks in action on the field. The loose forward and inside centre has been selected for a 10-day rugby tour in Italy this October. Image: Supplied When 16-year-old Jason Hendricks first laced up his rugby boots in Grade 8, inspired by watching his father Kyle on the field, he couldn't have imagined that sport would soon carry him across continents. Now in Grade 11 at Hoërskool Birchleigh, Jason is preparing to board a plane for his international tour - an unforgettable 10-day journey to Italy as part of the prestigious Danie Rossouw Rugby Tour. "I was shocked," Jason said, as he recalled the moment he found out. "Especially when I found out I was the only 16-year-old in my school to feature in an under-19 tour team for Italy. I am excited for the journey ahead." Jason Hendricks, 16, shares a proud moment with his parents, Kyle and Lauren, after being selected for the Danie Rossouw Rugby Tour to Italy. The Hoërskool Birchleigh learner is following in his father's rugby footsteps Image: Supplied The tour, which runs from 6-15 October, will see Jason and his teammates play matches against local rugby clubs in Rovigo, Volpolicella, and Brescia. But it is not just rugby that awaits - Jason will also visit Venice, Verona and Milan, explore the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, and enjoy a day at Gardaland, one of Europe's top amusement parks. "I am excited about Venice. I've heard that it is a beautiful city," he said. "I also cannot wait to try out their Italian food." Jason hopes the trip will sharpen his rugby skills and broaden his worldview. "I want to learn some Italian words and improve my game," he said. "It's my first time travelling overseas." The selection came as a surprise to the Hendricks family, who learned the news through an announcement at school. "We were proud and excited when we received the news about Jason's opportunity," said his mom, Lauren. "With Jason being chosen, we are happy that the Hendricks legacy will continue." It is a legacy deeply rooted in South African rugby. His father played for the Emerging Springboks Sevens, represented the Valke Rugby Union in over 100 matches, and earned more than 50 caps with Vereeniging Rugby Club. "From playing schoolboy rugby to provincial level and beyond - it's been a long road," Kyle said. "I am proud of Jason's achievement and hope that he can one day go further in his rugby career than I could have." Jason currently plays both loose forward and inside centre for the Kempton Park Hoërskool Birchleigh's first team. He never misses a Springbok game and counts Cheslin Kolbe among his role models. His teachers and schoolmates have rallied behind him. "All my friends and teachers congratulated me on a job well done and wished me all the best for the tour," said Jason. The Hendricks family is now working with the school, their church, and relatives to raise funds for the trip, which costs over R36 000 excluding the visa, passport and spending money. Contributions can be made directly to: Beneficiary name: JC Hendricks Bank: Capitec Bank Account number: 231 099 3650 Branch Code: 470010 As the departure date approaches, Kyle offers his son the kind of advice only a seasoned sportsman - and a father - can give. "My hope is that Jason does not lose himself," he said. "That he keeps his feet on the ground and stays humble in all that he does." As a mother, Lauren shares in the pride and emotion of watching her son take flight. "Truthfully, I have mixed emotions ranging from pride that he was chosen for this opportunity, excitement that he will be experiencing new sights, sounds and cultures and a bit apprehensive that he is leaving the nest at 16 for an unknown environment. However, I hope he has a blast and will cherish the experience for the rest of his life." If all goes according to plan, Jason's Italian adventure may just be the first chapter in a long and promising rugby career
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rugby player jetting off to Italy to realise his dreams
Rugby player jetting off to Italy to realise his dreams A talented young rugby player of Hoërskool Rob Ferreira in White River has been selected to join the Danie Rossouw Rugby Tour in Italy from October 6 to 15. Bandile Zwane (17), from Makoko outside KaBokweni, marks this as a crucial milestone in his rugby career, showcasing his dedication to and hard work in the sport. He was selected at the annual Danie Rossouw Rugby Week and joins 25 other youngsters from across the country on the tour team. 'This was my fifth year playing at the Danie Rossouw Rugby Week and my second time getting selected to tour internationally. I was selected last year to go to the Netherlands,' Bandile said. ALSO READ: Talented Mpumalangan handball duo heads for international competition The Grade 12 pupil has been playing rugby for over eight years and has accumulated numerous awards and accolades, including player of the year at school and top try scorer in the SDC Noordvaal Schools Series. 'Rugby has carried me through a lot of adversities and I believe that with my passion, my dream of becoming a Springbok player one day will become a reality. I just need to stick to good morals and everything will work out,' he said. Zwane participated in a rugby tournament in Rustenburg from April 25 to May 5 where he gained valuable exposure and preparation for the international tour. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga hosts provincial G20 Education Summit Indaba His role model is South African professional rugby union player Makazole Mapimpi, whose story serves as an inspiration to work hard and push boundaries. Bandile said Mapimpi's dedication to continuous improvement motivates him to strive for excellence. Bandile has been training daily with his father, who has provided additional support by taking him to the gym when necessary. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
