Skonk Nicholson Rugby Festival

Maritzburg College played host to 21 different schools from around the country at the Powerade Skonk Nicholson Rugby Festival and the South African Rugby Legends Association took advantage of this on Sunday 5 April 2009.

Passionate youths lined the touchline to be part of the clinic hosted by former rugby legends who have donned the Springbok jersey. Leading the clinic was Ian McIntosh who was in a very chipper mood. He stressed the need for basics in all school coaching.

The day started off with a moments silence at the loss of one of the coaches who tragically drowned in the school pool. The festival that honours one of rugby's greats, Skonk Nicholson, endorses the qualities of rugby that have been promoted by Nicholson himself. Nicholson, now 92, has been part of school rugby since 1944 and seen many a Springbok player pass through his team. Nicholson has been recognised with many awards and tributes in his long distinguished career and now with the fantastic Easter Rugby Festival, named in his honour, which has 21 schools partaking. Nicholson can be seen on the sidelines supporting and parting with advice.

"Mac" introduced all of the former Springbok and Provincial players who were there, giving of their time to share their talent with the future generation of the game. All drills showing basic skills were then displayed by the Legends and the Maritzburg College U16 Team.

After the drills, with fantastic displays by both the U16 school boys and the older generation of rugby players, the enthusiastic school boys swarmed down onto the field to take part in some hands on training. Dividing them up into their positions, the young players were given the opportunity to have specialised coaching with a few tips being given to them by their heroes.

Former Sharks, Springbok player, coach and Legend, Dick Muir commented, "It is amazing to see how many players know the tricks to the game, watching the Super 14 and other international games teaches them all the flashy moves but the core of the game seems to have been forgotten. Coaches must put emphasis on the basics in all the training which will be carried through into the game. With that grounding, you can build on that and improve."

The South African Rugby Legends Association travelled to Maritzburg College to the largest schools rugby festival, the Powerade Skonk Nicholson Rugby Festival on 5 April 2009, parting with their worldly experience to their captive audience.