RUGBY

AFRIKAANS

Ian van Heerden
ORGANISER
ivanheerden@hsmerensky.co.za

Vicky Esterhuizen
COACH
U14A

Christian Liebenberg
COACH
U14A

Hannes Visser
COACH
U14B

Willie van Zyl
COACH
U14B

Francois Bothma
COACH
U15A

Arno Last
COACH
U15A

Jan Potgieter
COACH
U15B

Enrich Steenkamp
COACH
U15B

Ian van Heerden
COACH
U16A

Divan Potgieter
COACH
U16A

Divan van Rooyen
COACH
U16B

Magnus Steyn Jnr
COACH
U16B

Riaan van Rhyn
COACH
3rd TEAM

Steve Kruger
COACH
1st & 2nd TEAMS

Steven Steyn
COACH
1st & 2nd TEAMS

PLASIE CLASHES RUGBY SERIES (FROM 2025)

1. Background

The Plasie Premiere League (PPL) was initiated during the COVID period, when formal rugby matches could not take place. The aim was to give all senior boys the opportunity to remain active, build spirit, and create a sense of unity on the field.

With the return to a full rugby programme at Merensky Agricultural Academy, the rugby coaches decided to replace the PPL with a new format: the Plasie Clashes.

2. Purpose of the Plasie Clashes

The Plasie Clashes is a structured series of practice matches with the following objectives:

To identify and develop senior players in different positions.
To support an off-season programme that improves players’ skills and fitness.
To strengthen Merensky’s rugby tradition and assemble quality teams for the 2026 season.

3. Format of the series

The series consists of four matches over a two-week period.
Each match consists of two halves of 20 minutes each.
Teams are selected by the coaches based on players available to play rugby in 2026.

4. Participation

Only registered senior rugby players of Merensky Agricultural Academy may take part in the Plasie Clashes.
Unlike the previous PPL, participation is no longer open to all boys of the school.

5. Safety and Boksmart requirements

The main reason for the new policy is safety.

Rugby is a contact sport, and to prevent injuries, only players with appropriate experience, conditioning and knowledge are allowed to play.
All matches and practices are conducted according to Boksmart safety requirements.
Coaches will ensure that players are placed in positions suited to their skills and physical abilities.

6. Conclusion

The Plasie Clashes represent a new era for Merensky Rugby. This series balances spirit-building with safety and player development, and serves as strategic preparation for the 2026 rugby season.

PLASIE CLASHES RUGBY SERIES POLICY

RUGBY NEWS & RESULTS

MERENSKY VS NYLSTROOM
8 March 2025
Friendlies, Home

U14A - MLA 58 vs NYL 7
U14B - MLA 37 vs NYL 0
U15A - MLA 38 vs NYL 0
U15B - MLA 34 vs NYL 5
U16A - MLA 59 vs NYL 3
U16B - MLA 63 vs NYL 0
3rd - MLA 50 vs NYL 0
2nd - MLA 62 vs NYL 0
1st - MLA 59 vs NYL 7

MERENSKY VS SECUNDA
15 March 2025
Friendlies, Away

U14A - MLA 0 vs SEC 29
U14B - MLA 0 vs SEC 39
U15A - MLA 17 vs SEC 34
U15B - MLA 12 vs SEC 17
U16A - MLA 21 vs SEC 29
U16B - MLA 26 vs SEC 12
3rd - MLA 17 vs SEC 7
2nd - MLA 14 vs SEC 35
1st - MLA 12 vs SEC 31

MERENSKY VS HTS TOM NAUDÉ
19 March 2025
Friendlies, Home

U14A - MLA 40 vs TN 0
U14B - MLA 12 vs TN 12
U15A - MLA 19 vs TN 8
U15B - MLA 19 vs TN 38
U16A - MLA 42 vs TN 0
U16B - MLA 17 vs TN 33
3rd - MLA 29 vs TN 14
2nd - MLA 29 vs TN 12
1st - MLA 20 vs TN 24

OAKDALE U19 RUGBY WEEK (29 MARCH - 2 APRIL 2025)

SATURDAY, 29 MARCH 2025
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MLA vs Hoër Volkskool Graaff-Reinet
Won 31-19
Man of the match:
Otto Muller

MONDAY, 31 MARCH 2025
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MLA vs Oakdale XV
Lost 14-39
Man of the match:
Craig Walker

WEDNESDAY, 2 APRIL 2025
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MLA vs Hugenote Wellington
Lost 17-19
Man of the match:
Jan Pretorius

MAURITZ HANSEN RUGBY WEEK (1 - 5 APRIL 2025)

TUESDAY, 1 APRIL 2025
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MLA XV vs Kempton Park 2 (B Field)
Lost 14-24
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MLA 16A vs Marais Viljoen 16A (B Field)
Lost 12-15
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MLA 14A vs Klerksdorp 14A (Euphorbia)
Lost 23-29
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MLA 15A vs Oosterlig 15A (C Field)
Won 47-19

THURSDAY, 3 APRIL 2025
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MLA XV vs Klerksdorp 2
Lost 3-19
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MLA o14A vs Hugenote o14A
Won 18-0
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MLA o16a vs Eldoraigne o16A
Lost 10-16
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MLA o15A vs Brandwag o15A
Lost 0-24

SATURDAY, 5 APRIL 2025
_______________________

MLA XV vs Hans Strijdom 2
Won 26-24
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MLA 16A vs Frikkie Meyer 16A
Won 12-0
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MLA 14A vs Wagpos 14A
Lost 3-10
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MLA 15A vs HTS Middelburg 15A
Won 19-7