Monaco fired up for U-16 rugby clash
IT WILL be north versus south today as the Monaco under-16 team will face off against Glenwood High School, before attending the Sharks Pumas match later today at Growthpoint King’s Park Stadium.
The team, who arrived in Durban on Monday, form part of the South Africa/Monaco Rugby Exchange Programme, and for many of the players, it was their first visit to Durban, the former home of Princess Charlene Monaco.
Having visited Ushaka Marine World, Ithala Game Reserve and Phezulu Safari Park during the week, the Monagasque team was at the Sharks practice session yesterday morning and picking up some tips from Durban’s home team. They had also attended a training session with former Sharks and Springbok coach Ian McIntosh.
Monaco’s wing Silvio Belmonte, and scrumhalf Sam O’Connor said they were looking forward to today’s match.
“We enjoy these tournaments and the team spirit that comes with it,” said O’Connor, while hooker Nathan Tibaut said the game was faster than in the southern hemisphere.
SA Rugby Legends (Sarla) partners with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in organising the tournament, which is in its third year.
Sarla chief executive Stefan Terblanche said the tournament allowed young rugby players to experience different cultures, while chairperson of the Monaco Rugby Federation, Cedric Nardi, praised the development benefit.