The 2023 Hollywood Foundation IQhawe Week showcased Under 15 rugby talent from around the country, and the tournament once again exceeded expectations as Western Province ran out eventual winners in the boys’ sections while the Lions won the girls sevens title.
Jeppe Boys High School hosted the event this year and provided an ideal setting for the players, coaches, and administrators to put on the best possible show during the four days of rugby last week.
The boy’s final on Thursday was a hard-fought affair with Western Province beating Border 12-5 to claim the trophy and the Lions girls had an even narrower 12-10 victory over the Blue Bulls on Wednesday.
Once again, the IQhawe Week has provided young players with the opportunity to showcase their talent, and again in 2023 the event proved that the talent pool in South Africa runs deep.
Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager for Hollywoodbets, said “The Hollywood Foundation iQhawe Week was a resounding success, with all 16 boys and six girls’ teams showcasing their talent across four days of rugby action.
“Our goal at the Foundation is to invest in sports at grassroots level and provide a platform for future stars to shine, and we firmly believe that was achieved this past week.
“The introduction of new teams such as Limpopo Bulls, Gauteng XV, and one additional ladies’ team, means the talent pool is growing, and rugby development is going in the right direction.
“We would like to thank the Cell C SA Rugby Legends, Jeppe High School, SuperSport Schools, our fellow sponsors, and most importantly, all the players, coaches, and parents who made this week into the spectacle that it was.”
CEO of the Cell C SA Rugby Legends Association John Smit is proud of what the event has become and how it continues to make an impact on the lives of young players, coaches and communities.
“We can finally take a breath after the conclusion of the 10th edition of the Hollywood Foundation IQhawe Week 2023," Smit said. "The week continues to grow with 16 boy’s and six girl’s teams taking part and the amazing talent continues to shine.
"The Cell C SA Rugby Legends would like to thank all the partners, Hollywood Foundation, City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Government, SA Rugby, Department of Sport, USN, Thirsti water and the Lions Rugby Union for putting together a fantastic week of rugby.
"Jeppe High School made for an intimate venue, and we need to say thanks to them as well. Special mention needs to go to the Lions Girls and Western Province boys who lifted the trophies at the Hollywood Foundation IQhawe Week.
"The celebratory scenes after the finals will live with me for a long time. This week again confirmed our belief that there is plenty of rugby talent in our country and we just need to provide them with opportunities to show what they can do.”
Dates and a venue for the 2024 IQhawe Week will be confirmed at a later date.