Rugby debut at Moses Mabhida Stadium

THE Moses Mabhida Stadium will host its debut rugby match when the South African “A” team faces a star-studded French Barbarians side on the evening of Youth Day, Friday, June 16.

As if that isn’t enough for Durban rugby fans, the city will also host the Castle Lager Incoming Series Test between the Springboks and France at Kings Park the next day.

Moses Mabhida Stadium general manager Vusi Mazibuko said the city and stadium management were proud to host the stadium’s maiden international rugby match while welcoming new audiences.

“We are excited to be part of the historic staging of two rugby games at two of Durban’s best-loved stadiums, Moses Mabhida and Kings Park, over the Youth Day weekend,” said Mazibuko.

A former Sharks favourite, scrumhalf Fred Michalak, will lead the French Barbarians in the Youth Day match.

Sharks chief executive Gary Teichmann said the match would be a historic event that they were happy to be associated with.

“We at the Sharks are gearing up to host an exciting Test match the following day, and the support of our community is instrumental to the success of this double-header weekend of rugby.”

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said the excitement around the match between SA “A” and the French Barbarians was palpable.

“Last year, the SA “A” team and England’s Saxons put up two very tough encounters in which 15 tries were scored. We’re expecting nothing less this time around.

“We all know that the French like to throw the ball around, and SA “A” coach Johan Ackermann’s Lions have shown their attacking intent over the last couple of seasons,” said Alexander.

Tickets will cost R40 for pupils and from R60 to R90 for adults at Computicket outlets at Shoprite/Checkers stores next week.