‘Future smiling’ on local rugby

Organising a local rugby competition under trying circumstances is never easy and requires a lot of preparation, says Komani Progress rugby team official Cliff Pringle.

“However, we can say the 2022 season was a huge success, equally so for Progress RFC, who represented the Chris Hani District Rugby Union [CHDRU] at the regional playoffs.

“The president of the CHDRU can proudly close the 2022 rugby season,” he added.

On Saturday, Progress RFC from Chris Hani beat the champions of Amathole District Rugby Union 19-18 in a tough encounter.

Progress RFC advanced to the semifinals the following day, in which they dispatched the champions of Buffalo City District Rugby Union 16-14 for a place in the regional finals.

“In the regional finale, an unbeaten Progress RFC went down to Amathole District Rugby Union 19-14 in a match that was marred by ugly and controversial decisions by the man in the middle. We are delighted with the level of performance of the CHDRU champions on the field because it shows that rugby is alive and well in this part of the region.”

Pringle said the regional play-offs allowed them to participate in matches of high intensity and quality.

“All this is not due to chance but rather to the work of the president of the CHDRU and, of course, the Progress RFC management and players.”

He said the regional playoffs offered the team an opportunity to show the quality of its young players and the development happening within the club.

“We are satisfied that we have made a lot of progress in recent years and we will continue to do so.

“We would like to thank all our supporters, sponsors, stakeholders and the Komani community at large who followed and supported our club. The future is smiling on rugby in the district and it is up to us to make it happen.”

❝ We are delighted with the level of performance of the CHDRU champions on the field because it shows that rugby is alive and well in this part of the region