RUGBY in Eastern Cape - as the provincial union's slogan suggests - is "on the rise". Much of this is because there is now big-time rugby in the province, with the Southern Kings involved in Super Rugby, says former Springbok Robbie Kempson.
While the Super 15 side has surprised all with gutsy performances in their first season of the southern hemisphere's premier provincial competition, the Kings' Vodacom Cup outfit has been causing upsets as they have managed to reach the semifinal of the competition.
Further to that, the province's university side, the Nelson Mandela Metro University's Madibaz had their best season yet in the Varsity Cup competition by going as far as the semifinals, while club side Despatch were earlier this year crowned national club champs.
Kempson, assistant coach of the EP Kings' Vodacom Cup team and manager of the provincial academy, said yesterday: "The success of rugby in the province has been a joint venture which has seen the momentum carried over to each level.
"Having Super Rugby status gives the players something to aspire to."
The Vodacom Cup semifinalists have seen a number of players elevated from their junior ranks - the likes of Kayle van Zyl, Paul Schoeman and Armand du Preez are some of the former Academy players who have made a mark in the competition.
Meanwhile, Tim Agaba, Schalk Oelofse and Mzwanele Zito are products of the Madibaz side that did well at this year's Varsity Cup.
Captain Tiger Mangweni believes this has played a key role in the success of the side. The character of the side came to the fore at the weekend in their come-from-behind 34-31 win in the quarterfinal against the Blue Bulls at Loftus, after trailing 31-13 with 16 minutes remaining.
"We knew it (the season) would be difficult, but we had to believe in ourselves. The boys have shown character, especially against the Bulls.
The combination of experienced players and talented youngsters has been great," Mangweni said.
The side takes on the Pumas in the Vodacom Cup this weekend in their semifinal battle.
Eastern Cape rugby 'on the rise'
RUGBY in Eastern Cape - as the provincial union's slogan suggests - is "on the rise". Much of this is because there is now big-time rugby in the province, with the Southern Kings involved in Super Rugby, says former Springbok Robbie Kempson.
While the Super 15 side has surprised all with gutsy performances in their first season of the southern hemisphere's premier provincial competition, the Kings' Vodacom Cup outfit has been causing upsets as they have managed to reach the semifinal of the competition.
Further to that, the province's university side, the Nelson Mandela Metro University's Madibaz had their best season yet in the Varsity Cup competition by going as far as the semifinals, while club side Despatch were earlier this year crowned national club champs.
Kempson, assistant coach of the EP Kings' Vodacom Cup team and manager of the provincial academy, said yesterday: "The success of rugby in the province has been a joint venture which has seen the momentum carried over to each level.
"Having Super Rugby status gives the players something to aspire to."
The Vodacom Cup semifinalists have seen a number of players elevated from their junior ranks - the likes of Kayle van Zyl, Paul Schoeman and Armand du Preez are some of the former Academy players who have made a mark in the competition.
Meanwhile, Tim Agaba, Schalk Oelofse and Mzwanele Zito are products of the Madibaz side that did well at this year's Varsity Cup.
Captain Tiger Mangweni believes this has played a key role in the success of the side. The character of the side came to the fore at the weekend in their come-from-behind 34-31 win in the quarterfinal against the Blue Bulls at Loftus, after trailing 31-13 with 16 minutes remaining.
"We knew it (the season) would be difficult, but we had to believe in ourselves. The boys have shown character, especially against the Bulls.
The combination of experienced players and talented youngsters has been great," Mangweni said.
The side takes on the Pumas in the Vodacom Cup this weekend in their semifinal battle.
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