Eleven schools are represented in the Eastern Province U/16 rugby squad, who are ready to produce a huge team effort at the Grant Khomo Week.
The week starts on Monday at St Alban’s College in Pretoria and the final matches will be played on Friday July 4.
Grey High dominates the EP group with 9 players, but ten other schools are also excited to see what their respective stars can produce against the other provinces.
In recent years, there haven’t been many players of DF Malherbe putting the EP jumper on. This motivates Lock, Jarno Nel, even more to give it his all in Pretoria.
“I feel honoured to represent DF in the EP team. The school is working hard with a positive vision for its rugby programme,” Nel said.
He doesn’t see it as a drawback that he is not in one of the Gqeberha schools, which are known more for their rugby.
“I believe any player who is serious about the sport and works hard can make the EP team – regardless of whether you’re at a bigger ‘rugby school’ or not,” he explained.
Jarno hopes to inspire other players – not just at DF – to believe in themselves and realise what hard work and self-belief can achieve.
“I was very surprised when I found out that I had been selected for EP. Even though I worked really hard for it, the competition for places was tough,” Jarno added.
Nel will be a key figure in the EP pack with his high work rate and mobility. He is a factor in the rucks and securing possession in the lineouts.
Jarno is always keen to carry the ball, especially near the try line with the pick-and-drive plays.
It will be a huge challenge for the EP boys right from the start when they take on the South Western Districts in their first match.
“We have a good team and will give our best to be competitive. We will go into each match to win,” Nel promised.
Although the focus is now on preparing with the EP squad and putting in the hours in the gym, Jarno is a member of DF’s first cricket team in the summer months.
“I also enjoy fishing, playing golf and now and then running a 10km road race.”
His rugby role model is the legendary Springbok Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Why? “He is hardworking and never gives up,” Jarno explained. He could well have been describing himself!
This U/16 week is very close to the hearts of rugby fans in the province.
It is named after Grant Khomo, who learned his rugby in the Eastern Cape.
Khomo captained the first African national team to victory over their coloured counterparts at the then Port Elizabeth Showgrounds in 1950.
The EP squad: Juan Potgieter, Lelethu Nono (both Grey), Enhle Nqaba (St Andrew’s), Jarno Nel (DF Malherbe), Noah Stowe (St Andrew’s), Christopher Vosloo, Duncan Hudek, Cole Bennett (all Grey), Jamier Swarts (Framesby), Alex Stuart (St Andrew’s), Uchene Oguelowa (Victoria Park), Anfred Jansen (Grey), Selunothi Mfundisi (Graeme), Sibulele Ngebulaba (Grey), Egan George (Brandwag), Mondre Landman (Daniel Pienaar), Unako Ntanjana (Westering), Stefan Raubenheimer (Marlow), Zolo Yeye (Grey), Enrico Bodenstein (Pearson), Richard Kriel (Daniel Pienaar), Ibenathi Kondile (Graeme), Keanu Linch (Grey).
