The sleeping giant in South African sports, Rugby League, has wakened. Dr. Frans Erasmus, the president of South African Rugby League Association (SARLA) announced today, for the first time in history, a South African under 19 national team will be selected. This side will play a few international tests in 2023.
“We are busy planning our training camps in preparation for these tests and currently identifying, and recruiting the best talent in the country,” he added.
Legendary players like Sonny Bill Williams and most recent, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, started their careers in New Zealand in Rugby League. These two players successfully represented both codes.
Although Rugby Union is the dominant sport of the two codes in South Africa, our players will adapt very quick to the Rugby League code. These two codes complement each other.
“We are entering new territory, but I am positive and confident we have the talent in South Africa to compete on the world stage,” Dr. Erasmus stated.
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