Young players from across Johannesburg gain game time and experience
On 15 August Bryanston High School’s well-kept fields filled with the sound of running boots and whistle blasts as the Bryanston Honey Badgers hosted a Golden Lions Youth Rugby day. Clubs from across Johannesburg — both established and smaller outfits — brought teams in age groups from under-7s through to under-18s, turning the venue into a hub of grassroots rugby for a full day.
The Honey Badgers, who are approaching their tenth year, welcomed sides including Alberton, Diggers, Pirates, Roodepoort, Randfontein and Warriors. Players, coaches and parents used the hosting day not just for matches but to test skills, learn from fellow clubs and get game exposure on a different ground.
“Whether you are as young as six or as old as 18, a Golden Lions Youth Rugby Club will help you develop all the skills you need to play rugby. And yes, there are female rugby programmes available, which are growing rapidly.”
The comment came from Honey Badgers chairman Anthony Losco, who stressed that hosting days form the backbone of club rugby in Gauteng. According to Losco, the Golden Lions Youth Rugby structure spans the north, south, east and west of the province and aims to provide safe environments that promote personal growth and success for young athletes.
Building relationships and widening opportunity
Hosting days are scheduled between July and September and rotate among different venues. This gives young players the chance to experience multiple grounds and to build relationships across clubs inside the union. The Bryanston event was the Honey Badgers’ second hosting this year and organisers say they are already planning their next gathering for the new year.
Losco pointed to a broad coaching and management base at the Honey Badgers and the strong support from players and parents as reasons for the club’s steady progress. He highlighted the importance of inclusivity, encouraging anyone interested — from complete beginners to experienced youngsters — to join their ranks.
- Age range: 6 to 18 years
- Participating clubs: Alberton, Diggers, Pirates, Roodepoort, Randfontein, Warriors, Bryanston Honey Badgers
- Venue: Bryanston High School
- Competition: Golden Lions Youth Rugby hosting day
What hosting days mean for Johannesburg rugby
For parents and coaches in Johannesburg, days like this are more than a line on the calendar. They are opportunities to assess player development, identify talent, and expose children to competitive rugby without the pressure of formal tournaments. For clubs from outlying parts of the city such as Roodepoort and Randfontein, the events offer easier access to coaches and opposition they may not face regularly.
Photographs from the day show tight defensive efforts and committed tackles across the age groups, including an under-12 game between Diggers Gold and Pirates. The visible growth of female programmes, mentioned by Losco, points to a broader national trend of more girls taking up the sport at grassroots level.
| Age group | Purpose |
|---|---|
| U7–U11 | Skill development, fun matches, basic contact introduction |
| U12–U15 | Structured competition, positional play, fitness |
| U16–U18 | Higher-intensity matches, preparation for senior club pathways |
Organisers say that hosting days also serve as talent pipelines for senior clubs and for provincial youth structures. For the Honey Badgers, whose management describe the club as diversified and stable, the events are part of a long-term plan to strengthen community ties and create clear pathways for players who want to make rugby a bigger part of their lives.
As the Golden Lions Youth Rugby calendar continues through September, Johannesburg’s young players will get more chances to test themselves, refine skills and form the friendships and rivalries that define club rugby. For many parents, the day at Bryanston was a reminder that the sport still provides an accessible, community-rooted option for keeping children active and learning important life skills.
Those looking to get involved are advised to contact their nearest Golden Lions Youth Rugby club to find out about training times, age-group offerings and female programmes that are expanding across the union.
