It’s academy kick-off

SKILLS SHARING: Pictured from left are Gcobani Bobo, Tim Goodenough and Dick Muir, who will be part of the rugby academy coaching line-up in June Picture: SUPPLIED

As anticipation rises for the arrival of some of South Africa’s, as well as the world’s rugby icons in Pietermaritzburg, one of Border’s finest exports is also busy preparing.

King William’s Town-born Gcobani Bobo is one of the coaches at the Investec International Rugby Academy, and relishes what he calls a “huge responsibility”.

Rugby players, coaches and enthusiasts will have a chance to meet and learn from some of the icons of South African and international rugby at the academy from June 27 to July 3.

“[To coach young talent] is a huge responsibility for anyone. It is a privilege to impart knowledge and nurture talent. Lessons learnt at the Investec International Rugby Academy at this formative age last you a lifetime.

“Hence, the importance of being involved as you feel you can fast- track and transfer intellectual property earned through years of experience [playing the game],” said Bobo of the opportunity to coach budding young talent.

Investec International Rugby Academy general manager Greg Miller has announced the impressive line-up of coaches participating in the week-long coach and player courses to be held at St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg.

The courses will feature three former Rugby World Cup players, four international coaches, seven former Springboks, five local coaches, the current Sharks coach and a variety of specialist coaches.

Former Rugby World Cup players’ John Allan (1991), Werner Swanepoel (1999) and Butch James (2007 and 2011) will be bringing their expertise to the academy, along with former Springboks assistant coach Dick Muir, Andy Keast (former British Lions coach), Braam van Straaten (ex-Wallabies kicking coach), Gary Gold (ex-Springbok assistant coach and current Sharks coach), Grant Bashford (former Sharks coach) and All-Blacks, Chiefs and Blues technical advisor Nico le Roux.

Boys can look forward to learning from former Springboks Dick Muir, Bobo, Ian MacDonald and most capped South African Rugby Player Jacques Botes, as well as local coaches Ryan Strudwick and Greg Miller.

The academy, based on the highly successful training model of the New Zealand Rugby Academy, offers courses for coaches and players at different levels and gives participants the opportunity to work closely with these experts.

“Our courses are highly personalised; boys are able to eat, sleep and breathe rugby with the coaches for a full week, in order to learn what it takes to be a top level rugby player or coach,” Miller said.

To book for the academy, contact Bernadine on (031)940-5565 or visit www.investecacademy.com

“The academy offers something rare. The knowledge sharing from experienced coaches to budding coaches is what rugby is about; learning from each other, discussion and different approaches to achieve similar goals for the game’s progression,” Bobo said.

The former Border and Sharks centre said that it is his “ambition and desired goal” to create opportunities for players and coaches, where they can all give back to the Border region so that its legacy lives on.

When asked what he misses most about the Eastern Cape, Bobo quickly answered, “family”.

“It is where I was born. [I miss] the honesty, genuineness of the people and legends that give me energy to strive.

“My dad, Steve Tshwete and Steve Biko – their energy inspires me to dream bigger,” he said.

BY ETHIENNE ARENDS