Five players to watch at the Academy Week
The u18 Academy Week returns to Johannesburg and Jeppe High School for Boys for a second year in succession, with the action beginning on Monday.
Catch all the games live on SuperSport Schools
Players from all corners of South Africa will be eager to make their marks, many of whom are likely to experience provincial schools’ rugby for a last time before they move on from the schoolboy ranks.
The event runs through until Friday, 28 June, with the teams battling it out for the honour of appearing in the unofficial main game on the final day.
There are, as always, a number of players who are appearing at the Academy Week who were surprise omissions from their Craven Week teams. The Academy Week gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent at a high-quality event.
SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five of those players to keep an eye on.
Keenan Stoffels – Western Province (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
Keenan Stoffels has been immensely impressive for the Maroon Machine from Stellenbosch in 2024 and has captured the imagination of rugby fans in the Western Cape. His quick feet, sheer pace and slight build have reminded many of players like Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse. He’s been a key contributor to the Maroon Machine’s unbeaten season thus far, keeping defenders guessing with his magic-like ability to fit through the smallest of spaces. He will, unlike at Paul Roos, where he dons the no. 11 jersey, be in action at fullback for Western Province.
Marko Kok – Blue Bulls (Hoërskool Waterkloof)
Powerful runs and physical hits are what come to mind when the name Marko Kok comes up. The eighthman from Pretoria has been one of the cornerstones of Hoërskool Waterkloof’s successful season, which has included only one loss against Paul Roos Gimnasium. In the SDC Noordvaal Cup Competition, Kok has been one of the most prolific ball carriers, regularly breaking through defences to storm downfield. He’s not a one-trick pony, however. His defence is solid, and he has shown a willingness to roll up his sleeves to get involved in the physical aspects of the game, which, no doubt, will be on show when he runs out for the Blue Bulls this coming week.
Johannes Koegelenberg – Western Province (Paarl Gimnasium)
Hard-working, highly talented and never shy about getting stuck in when the going gets tough, Johannes Koegelenberg will bear watching at the Academy Week. The openside flank from Paarl Gimnasium has gone about his business this season quietly but extremely effectively. He has a high work rate and is a constant threat to turn over possession at ruck time, so Province’s opposition will have to be clinical in the loose or risk losing the ball. Koegelenberg is also a rugged defender, able to set the tone for the blue-and-white-striped jerseys.
Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein – Sharks (Maritzburg College)
Maritzburg College’s Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein will pose a threat for the Sharks out on the left-wing. He possesses twinkle toes, has a wicked sidestep, is shifty, and has good hands, too. He’s enjoyed a good season for the College’s first XV. If given space, he will be a problem for opposing defences and, playing alongside some skilful and creative runners, he is likely to be a big weapon for the team from KwaZulu-Natal.
Brad Brown – Golden Lions (Noordheuwel)
His intimidating frame and deceptive pace make Noordheuwel’s “Big Bad” Brad Brown one of the most dangerous ball carriers at the Academy Week. The Golden Lions’ eighthman will surely capture the attention of rugby fans over the course of the defending champions’ three games. He will be used to get the hosts over the advantage line time and time again. Brown is a load, tough to stop, and adept at giving his team front-foot pool with which to play.
DAY ONE FIXTURES
A Field
09:00 – Blue Bulls vs Golden Lions XV
10:15 – Sharks vs Eastern Province
11:30 – Griffons vs Griquas
12:45 – Western Province vs Boland
14:30 – Golden Lions vs Free State
B Field
09:00 – SA LSEN XV vs Border Country Districts
10:15 – Valke vs Border
11:30 – Limpopo Blue Bulls vs Zimbabwe
12:45 – South Western Districts vs Leopards
14:30 – Pumas vs Namibia
