In the first of what are to be regular monthly newsletters to Maritzburg College Old Boys and other stakeholders, the new Maritzburg College director of rugby Hein Kriek said that “in the long run 2021 will be a year of assessment, adjustment, alignment and recalculation with[in] the changing landscape of schoolboy rugby in a Covid-19 society.”

Hein enthused at the prospect of joining the College family and being an integral part of “the rich rugby history that runs through the veins of the school”.

“In these challenging times with Covid-19 looming over our heads around every corner, our beloved sport of rugby at schoolboy level has taken a massive blow. To start 2021 much in the same manner as 2020 ended is not the ideal situation…”

Hein said that the current circumstances would require a flexible approach and a determination to capitalise on whatever opportunities may arise during the year.

 

 

The new director of rugby complimented former director of rugby Kevin Smith (now director of College business) for the “excellent work” he had done and expressed a desire to build on what had already been put in place.

Hein said further that “the challenge and question is: ‘How do we take the next step to get to the next level?’ ”

The goals would be to build on the current College rugby model and tie that in with long-term player development. “Development for our coaches is also of the utmost importance; to equip them with the toolkit to guide our players.”

Hein also touched on an issue that is no doubt playing on the minds of his counterparts across the country. How to identify the young talent of soon-to-be high school age when there was no schoolboy rugby to speak of last year… and quite conceivably precious little this year.

Nevertheless, the new College rugby man said that every effort would be made to unearth a fresh group of youngsters to wear the Red, Black and White.

Hein cautioned that with the national school year’s commencement having been delayed to mid-February the short-term rugby programme for the boys did present a challenge.

“Our elite players will be active in the High Performance programme (strength and conditioning) with a skill session per week on the field run by the coaches.”

“Boys will be encouraged to participate in other non-contact sports that will be running in term 1 and this will also be the ideal opportunity to start the academic year on the right note.

“The holistic development of the boys is paramount in the success of our rugby programme.”

With a solid foundation having been laid, it is clear that the future of Maritzburg College rugby is in good hands.

 

 

* Hein is a teacher, an educator who among a host of sports-related qualifications, possesses a B.SC degree in human movement science, an honours degree in sports science (both from Pukke) and a masters degree in sports directorship from Salford University Business School in England.

Clearly a rugby man to the nth degree, Hein has attained a number of highly regarded rugby coaching qualifications at international level and attended numerous top-drawer rugby courses worldwide.

Hein’s outstanding rugby coaching history includes positions held at top club, school and senior level.

Here is a brief breakdown:

* Forwards coach and technical adviser to Hamilton’s Sea Point RFC, who became national club champions
* Western Province Craven Week coach
* Two years as South African Schools coach
* First XV coach and head of coaching at Paul Roos, who were crowned Sanix World Youth champions
* Forwards and defence coach with the Pumas Currie Cup team
* Forwards and defence coaching consultant in Europe with the Czech and Netherlands national rugby unions

* KZN10.com wishes Hein and Maritzburg College rugby everything of the best.

 

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