Springboks Coach 13 Schools at Nelson Mandela Bay Clinic

A squeal of pure delight rang out as a dozen children tried to bring down Springbok flanker Vincent Tshituka, who hoisted two kids over his shoulders while roaring with laughter. This wasn't game day preparation—it was something better.

Four rising Springbok stars spent Thursday morning coaching 13 primary schools from Nelson Mandela Bay at a "Get Into Rugby" clinic outside the stadium. Tshituka joined fellow players Phepsi Buthelezi, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Zachary Porthen to teach passing, ball handling, and tackling to dozens of eager learners.

The mountainous athletes towered over their tiny opponents as each manned a training station. But the real magic happened in the moments between drills—when kids chased their heroes across the field and got encouragement from the players they'd only seen on television.

"I wish we had more opportunities to work with kids," Tshituka said. "These coaching clinics are so important for their development and cultivating a love of sport."

The event is part of World Rugby's global program to introduce children to the sport and develop young talent. South Africa has embraced the initiative, hosting clinics that give kids access to proper facilities and professional coaching they might never experience otherwise.

Why This Inspires

For teacher Siyabonga Mcebi from Fumisukoma Primary School in Motherwell, the coaching itself was just the beginning. "The inspiration and encouragement they got from playing with the Springboks was far more important," he said.

Many children at the clinic come from challenging backgrounds where schools lack proper sports facilities. "Bringing them here, having them play on proper fields, getting to meet the Springboks—for them these will be happy memories," Mcebi explained.

Rugby coach Nolwazi Bungane from Molefe Primary School in New Brighton saw another gift in the gathering. Kids from different schools discovered they shared similar struggles and could put their worries aside to enjoy sport together.

"These rugby clinics encourage our learners and give them positive role models," Bungane said. "It gives them hope for the future."

Tshituka, who only discovered rugby in high school, now realizes the importance of early introduction to sport. He'll carry the memory of those squealing children when he steps onto the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium field for the first time in the Springboks' match against the Barbarians.

Sometimes the smallest opponents teach the biggest lessons about joy.