As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, the Boland Rugby Union is helping lay down the groundwork for a better future. For some young South Africans, rugby has long served as a potential pathway to prosperity. This is particularly evident in Boland, where the sport runs through the region’s veins. Players like Chester Williams, Pieter Steph DuToit, and Cornal Hendricks have all been beneficiaries of Boland’s iconic rugby youth development programmes.
With 220 clubs and more than 440 teams under its banner (which makes it one of the largest rugby regions in the world), Boland Rugby Union is not just building better players, it’s helping to create stronger communities. Throughout the year, the Union runs rugby clinics across the region, bringing coaching, mentorship and a sense of belonging to towns where opportunities can be scarce.
“Rugby won’t solve all of our problems, but for four hours on a Saturday, it gives young people something else to think about. Throw in training sessions during the week and the physical exhaustion that comes with it, and suddenly, there’s less space for bad decisions,” said Lyndon Julius, Media and Communications Manager at Boland Rugby.
Rugby in Boland is incredibly communal, and this strong sense of togetherness can have a profound impact on the lives of young people. Beyond the game itself, rugby fosters social, emotional growth, supports mental well-being, and contributes to overall personal development.
It creates a supportive environment that builds self-esteem, strengthens social skills, and encourages positive relationships. For many young players, the sport serves as a grounding force, one that shapes character, instils discipline, and offers a sense of connection and purpose. And the benefits extend far beyond the players themselves.
“In our region, rugby is generational and all about the community. You’ll find grandfathers, fathers and sons who’ve all played for the same club. That loyalty creates identity, pride and structure. It’s a culture that uplifts whole communities,” added Julius.
That culture is also reflected in the various initiatives hosted by the Boland Rugby Union, which not only introduce children to rugby in a safe and inclusive way but also equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. These events bring the community together through moments of laughter, tears, and joy at every match – creating unity and support that help young stars to flourish.
The Union’s strength lies in its diversity. It not only focuses on grooming and mentoring young boys but also runs dedicated programmes to develop young female rugby players. The ultimate goal is to see more young women represent South Africa on the international stage as part of the Springbok Women’s team.
“Our women’s team continues to make us proud. We’re serious about ensuring that young girls also see a future for themselves in sport,” Julius said.
For Vuma, whose mission is to empower ordinary people to reach their potential, the partnership is a natural fit.
“Youth Month is a reminder that the future belongs to young people, and we all have a role to play in helping them reach it,” said Taylor Kwong, Head of Marketing at Vuma. “Sport gives young people purpose and direction. We’re proud to support the Boland Rugby Union in creating platforms that keep kids off the streets and put them on a path to greatness.”
