Each year, four Coca-Cola Youth Weeks take place catering for Under-13, Under-16 and Under-18 schoolboy players. Teams from the 14 SARU Provinces, Country Districts and invitational teams as well as teams from Namibia and Zimbabwe will all be represented at the Weeks.

The Coca-Cola Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, the Coca-Cola Under-13 and the SARU Under-18 Academic Week will be staged in Durban, Krugersdorp and Polokwane respectively from 2 – 6 July whilst the and Coca-Cola Under-18 Craven Weeks will take place in Stellenbosch from 9 – 14 July.

Whilst a small number of players will be taking part in one of the events for a second time, the majority of the almost 1 800 boys that will take part will be receiving provincial colours for the first time.

“Capping ceremonies and the handing over of playing kit in the respective age categories will begin in the 14 provinces this week and culminate towards the end of June,” said SARU Manager: Playing the Game, Mervin Green.

“These are very special and memorable moments in the rugby lives of these boys. Receiving provincial colours symbolizes excellence and the recognition of the rugby talents of hundreds of young players, many of whom will go on to greater achievements in the game.

“With the support of our long-standing sponsors, Coca-Cola, we are able to ensure that each and every boy that will take part in these events is presented with branded playing kit and a tog bag that will hopefully serve as a reminder of their participation in years to come,” Green said.