Young and old invited to women’s rugby open day at False Bay

Jon Harris|Published 1 month ago

False Bay RFC’s Sikhumbuzo Muchenje with ball in hand during a women’s fixture. Picture: Gavin Withers Photography

It seems like just the other day that the 2024 club rugby season ended and around the peninsula, clubs are now had at work preparing for the 2025 season.

Indeed, the tools-down break for players was brief before fitness assessments and preparation got under way again.

Up at the Philip Herbstein Fields in Constantia, Motorvaps False Bay is no exception.

Head coach Ashley Wells and his panel of coaches have been focused on the upcoming season, with fitness their primary focus.

False Bay RFC’s women’s section and Girl Power Rugby Academy is set host an Open Day on Saturday February 1. Pictured here is Cliodhna Keene O'Connell sussing out the defence. Picture: Gavin Withers Photography

The False Bay women’s section and Girl Power Rugby Academy will host will an Open Day at the Bay on Saturday February 1, from 10am until 1pm.

Attendees will learn about the ethos of the game and participate in a wide selection of exercises and skills drills.

Those attending the upcoming women’ section open day, at False Bay, are encouraged register early and to bring along a water bottle and a pair of running shoes in order to stay hydrated and ahead of the pack, like Bay live wire, Azhar Phillips, pictured here. Picture: Gavin Withers Photography

“Anyone young woman, aged between 6 and 60, is welcome to join us for a day of true fun in the February Sun”, says Zoe Naude, women’s rugby standard bearer of note. “It will be a fun-filled morning of learning about the wonderful game of rugby.

Pop down early for registration, but make sure you have a water bottle and are wearing a pair of running shoes. Arrive earlier to register and meet your fellow adventurers.

In the meantime, the men, with decades of experience and rugby culture under the belt, have been hard at work, with barely five weeks before the traditional friendly club fixtures against the likes of Durbell, Helderberg and Brackenfell take place. Included in the strenuous schedule is another annual friendly against Hamilton, who celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.

As previously reported, False Bay enjoyed a remarkable season last year, although cynics may restrict that observation to the final log standing of their flagship team, the First XV which ended seventh in the Super League A 2024 and narrowly missed the knock-out stages. This success included an emphatic clinching of the Second League by the Bay; top three finishes for their thirds and a runners-up medal for their under-20As.

Attendances at practices have been excellent and a respected member was heard to quip that the skills levels are already at a level exceeding expectations.

Depth is crucial and the league-winning second-stringers add experience in that area to the depth available.

The greater coaching panel in place at the Bay is focused, prepared and determined to deliver the results of which their supporters have become accustomed.

On Saturday, the Western Province women’s team host the Free State Cheetahs at Constantia. Kick off is at 3pm. Entry is free. All are welcome.

Jon Harris is a member of False Bay RFC.