School boy rugby is massive in the country and being part of the rich tradition carries an enormous sense of pride.
It’s the dream not only for the young boys starting their journey in rugby stardom but for the men and women in the technical area.
Milnerton High School Director of Rugby, Heinrich Martin knows this all too well.
In his role as Director of Rugby, he has dedicated his life to moulding young talent and instilling in them the values of discipline, teamwork, and passion for the game of rugby. His role is to create future Springboks and make sure future prospects get to live their dream.
This year, however, has turned out to be a great one for him directly, where he will see his dreams turn into reality as a coach.
That dream started when he was selected as the forwards coach for the Western Province Craven Week side.
It was a moment of immense pride for him, as his coaching now extended beyond his school.
The Craven Week is a prestigious event in school boy rugby and showcases the most promising players in the country, and being part of the coaching staff was a great honour for him.
But his story didn’t end there. The cherry on top was yet to come as he then received a call up to the SA schools. He was selected as an assistant coach of the SA A side and the only coaching staff member from the Western Cape this year. The SA A side took on SA schools side in Boland a fortnight ago.
Best young talents in the country are found in this game.
Reflecting on his achievements, Martin said: “To become the SA schools under-18 coach is the epitome of school boy rugby coaching. It is the highest level you can achieve to get the Springbok emblem on your blazer.”
“I have been aspiring to be part of this system for years and obviously it is very tough as all the top coaches in the country apply to be at this level. It’s been a dream to coach the national side in school boy rugby,” he added.
Martin said he was grateful to be part of the set-up and wished to relive this moment in the years to come as school boy rugby is where he is at home away from home. Now that the moment he has been longing for for years is finally here, he can continue moulding future stars, encouraging them to chase their dreams and him being the example of not giving up on those dreams.
Having been there, and done it, maybe far greater things can be expected to come from his hands in his capacity in the coaching unit.
He is, after, all a Director of Rugby in a school that has a Springbok alumni in Damian de Allende.
