This event is indeed a first for South African Rugby League. We are looking forward in hosting Lebanon and Niue in South Africa. The SA Rhinos will play one match against Lebanon and one match against Niue and then Niue will play Lebanon. These matches will be played in Pretoria at the Harlequins stadium.
In 2015 the Rhinos had the opportunity to play Niue in Australia but unfortunately lost.
During the 2016 season the SA Rhinos competed in the World Cup qualifiers against Lebanon in South Africa but were unable to qualify for the world cup.
This time round we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves. It promises to be a very exiting series. Training has begun in all earnest and we are confident in the abilities of the Rhinos.
Due to work related reasons Drikkies Mulder the previous coach of the Rhinos has resigned as Head coach but will still fore fill his duties as Director Coaching and Development and we wish him all the luck in his endeavors.
The new National Coaches for the Rhinos have been appointed by the SARL Board and we would like to congratulate Deon Kraemer and Tjaart vd Walt as the new coaches. It is the first time in the history of SARL that the Board has decided to appoint two Head Coaches for the National Rhinos.
We have the utmost confidence that Deon and Tjaart will be very successful in their approach to coaching. With the combined experience of the two coaches we are sure to see a new and successful Rhino squad emerging.
Kobus Botha
President of the South African Rugby League.