Bakkies a big 10s drawcard

Having been a success in Bangkok, 10s rugby was brought to Cape Town 11 years ago by former Springboks Robbie Fleck and Bob Skinstad, and fundraising explorer/cyclist Ronnie Rutland, and now, after three years at Harlequins it has finally made it to Loftus Versfeld, where the Tshwane 10s will take place on Friday and Saturday.

More than 50 rugby teams will be in action, but there will also be dodgeball, hockey, netball and football as thousands of sports lovers and their families enjoy some cracking action and much fun and festivities with fan parks for the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup match against Namibia, beer tents, coaching clinics, autograph sessions and live music all being included in the fare.

Bakkies Botha (above) will be part of the VIP Oakheart Invitational team, alongside former Namibia captain and Saracens hero Jacques Burger. They may be playing in the same team, but expect some fireworks when they participate in a Q&A before the Springboks/Namibia game.

“These are exciting times, the first time the Tshwane 10s is being played at Loftus Versfeld. It’s all about seeing people come together and it’s going to be amazing for kids and their families. What makes rugby is the friends you make from around the world, just sitting and sharing stories, with the memories just getting bigger.

“I grew up at Loftus Versfeld so it’s going to be special for myself too and if our team has enough momentum then maybe I will make some super-sub appearances on the field as well. But there are also 200 places for little Bulletjies in our coaching clinic on Saturday afternoon and that’s also on the Loftus A field,” the 40-year-old Botha told The Citizen.

Being able to rub shoulders and share a field with such legends is one of the chief attractions.

“Bakkies will be out for a tackle and a ruck here and there and for guys who enjoyed playing rugby at school or who just play socially now, there’s nothing better than making a tackle on Bakkies and then sharing a beer and some of his wors with him afterwards.

“But it’s not just about rugby, there are various other sports and that’s the real joy of the 10s, that we include everybody, not just the rugby boys. It’s a real fun, festive family day,” Fleck said.

Tickets are now available online at Quicket, as well as at the gates on game days, with kids under 12 welcome for free.