A local matric student recently competed in the Tag Rugby World Cup in Limerick, Ireland from 1 to 4 August.
This was according to the student, Sarah Krone, currently in matric at Rhenish Girls’ High School. Krone participated in the open division of the world cup event.
This division consisted of women of all ages, said Krone, who was selected to represent South Africa.
Tournaments like these provide female players with the opportunity to gain exposure, said Viaan Jonker, director of the Up and Under Ladies Rugby Academy where Krone plays.
“It is nerve wracking being a rugby mom as you always worry about injury, but I am proud to watch her play,” said Kathleen Krone, mother of Sarah Krone (above), who recently represented South Africa in the Tag Rugby World Cup in Ireland. PHOTO: Liza-May Pieters
What is tag rugby?
“Tag is another form of rugby but without as much contact,” explained Krone.
The players wear a tag on each hip, said Krone. When this tag is taken by the opposing team, that player must place the ball down and roll it with their foot before playing again, she said.
“In mixed Tag, if a girl scores [a try], the team gets an extra bonus point,” said Krone.
Behind the try line is a small box, said Krone. If a team member scores in this box, they will earn maximum points for their team, she said.
Stuart McConnel, the head of the Tag Rugby World Cup which took place in Ireland from 1 to 4 August, worked tirelessly to keep Tag rugby on the rise, explained Sarah Krone, a local student from Rhenish Girls’ High School who participated in the world cup. PHOTO: Liza-May Pieters
Green and gold
South Africa played in a pool consisting of France, Japan, Great Britain and New Zealand, she said.
This tournament acts as a foothold for the growth of women’s rugby, Krone explained.
“There are so few opportunities for girls [to play rugby] out in the Winelands, so I hope [Sarah] can be the inspiration to grow the sport,” said Kathleen Krone, Sarah’s mother.
Krone is excited to keep playing rugby in the future.
“I only started playing [tag] this year but I’m so grateful to have been introduced to such an amazing sport with an incredible team,” said Krone.
Sarah Krone, a local student who played for South Africa in the Tag Rugby World Cup, is excited to keep playing rugby and to see womens rugby grow, she said. PHOTO: Liza-May Pieters