The Free State U18 Craven Week team is en route to Middelburg, Mpumalanga, for this year’s tournament. Team manager Voughan Casling spoke to Bloemfontein Courant about the squad and their ambitions for the upcoming competition.
“We held two rounds of trials, followed by two friendly matches. Our first game was in Bloemfontein against the Griffons, which we won 38–32 in a tight contest. Two weeks ago, we travelled to Kimberley to face the Leopards, securing a 77-22 victory. After that, we finalised the team selection,” Casling explained.
The 23-player squad comprises 21 Bloemfontein-based players and two from Burgersdorp, while the Academy Week team includes players from this Eastern Cape town.
“I think we have a good shot with this team. Last year, we lost the unofficial final against Western Province after beating the Griffons on day one and the Bulls on day two. I believe we can go far again this year, as we’re better prepared, having started earlier,” Casling said, reflecting on the squad’s potential.
Craven Week registration takes place on Sunday 6 July, with the team’s first match scheduled for Monday. Casling highlighted the tournament’s significance: “Craven Week is the biggest stage for schoolboys to showcase their talent. You might not face other top school teams regularly, so Craven Week is a massive platform to represent yourself, your school, and your province.”
With scouts from various rugby unions and universities in attendance, the annual Craven Week offers players a chance to measure themselves against the country’s best. Casling is joined by head coach Bobby Joubert from Grey College and other coaches from Bloemfontein schools. “The coaches involved are experienced within the system,” Casling noted. “We’re a strong fit for the senior side.”
The team aims to win all three matches this year. “While we don’t want to pile pressure on ourselves, we’re targeting three wins from three. We’ve come so close in the past two years,” Casling said.
He added that the senior team keeps an eye on younger talent, with Joubert attending the U13 Craven Week in East London and the Grant Khomo Week in Pretoria to scout future prospects for Free State rugby.
Casling also emphasised the importance of education for his players: “My hope is that all the boys secure university places and bursaries, as higher education can be expensive. Some come from challenging backgrounds, so this opportunity means a lot for their future.”
He stressed the value of academics: “My main concern is that the boys go to university and complete their studies. I’m passionate about them earning qualifications to fall back on if rugby doesn’t work out.”
Encouraging a strong work ethic, Casling advises his players to “never stop working”.
“I always tell the boys to give the same energy on and off the field. You can’t give 110% on the pitch and 50% off it,” he added.
Warren Hawkins
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