Rugby

BACKGROUND

As a proud and successful rugby playing nation, the sport has always been very popular and highly regarded by Maccabi SA and the Jewish community. There have been ten Jewish Springboks, known as the “Springbok Minyan” starting with Morris Zimmerman’s debut in December 1931, followed by Louis Babrow, Fred Smollan, Dr Cecil Moss, Alan Menter, Joseph Kaminer, Syd Nomis, Dr Wilf Rosenberg, Joel Stransky and Okey Geffin. Geffin is considered to be the greatest Jewish rugby player of all time and together with Nomis, Rosenberg and Stransky was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Although none played rugby at the Maccabiah, Geffin did represent Maccabi SA at bowls in 1969.

Maccabi SA has sent rugby teams to the last nine Maccabiah, winning five out of a possible nine gold medals in the 15-man format. In 2013, the Juniors won gold in Sevens and 15’s, and in 2017 the Opens won Sevens gold.

CURRENT

Maccabi SA’s rugby management is looking to once again put together well trained and competitive Junior and Senior teams to compete at the 2022 Games. Our Convenor Brad Berger is continually identifying Jewish rugby talent from school all the way up to club, varsity and provincial levels, to ensure that we are in contact with the best players to choose from for our Maccabiah teams.

Maccabi SA Rugby also participates in the annual Cape Town 10’s tournament where the team has been highly competitive. On a school level, we have partnered up with the King David High Performance Centre to ensure that the squads will go through intensive coaching, fitness, conditioning and warm up games in preparation for the 2022 Games. Keep an eye on our website and social media for details.

For further information on rugby, please contact Maccabi SA Rugby Convenor Brad Berger – braddaberg@googlemail.com

 

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