Final round of preparation in South Africa before the IOIG for the rugby team

For the first time in Mauritius: the appearance of rugby sevens (men) at the 10th edition of the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG), to be held on Mauritian grounds from July 19th to 28th.

After Rodrigues Island in June, eighteen pre-selected Mauritian rugby players travelled to South Africa for a week of intensive training at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) from July 8th to 14th.

In order to prepare the rugby players for the IOIG, a training program has been established by the Rugby Union Mauritius (RUM) and Jean-Baptiste Gobelet, the National Technical Director (NTD). « Thanks to the support of Ministry of Youth and Sports, the sponsors of the Union, the Rugby Union Mauritius team and I are very satisfied with their financial support, it has allow us to prepare the team the best we can for the games, » said Pravin Roodur, the Manager of the RUM.

Fitness sessions and matches were organized since January in Mauritius but also in Rodrigues Island in June. The rugby men challenged their limits and strengthened their bond during six days of residence. For the national coach of the rugby team, Patrice François, the preparation stage in Rodrigues was an excellent team-building, which helped to reinforce the players’ team spirit. Patrice also emphasizes that « IOIG are only a stepping stone and not an end in themselves. The coaches and the Federation have a long-term vision and seek to democratize rugby in Mauritius in order to position themselves in the 2024 Olympics”.

Mauritian rugby players and RUM members set sail for Stellenbosch, a South African student town situated about 50 kilometres from Cape Town. In addition to its flourishing wine industry, the city is also renowned for its elitist sports academy. Recognized as the cradle of South African rugby, Stellenbosch counts more than 150 years of rugby traditions. During these six days, the Mauritian rugby men will have the opportunity to benefit from the facilities of the training centre, the expertise of the technical staff and also to immerse themselves in this rich rugby culture. « Rugby is a great sport and rugby seven games give players the opportunity to unlock their full potential on the pitch. I wish the Mauritian guys good luck, » said Neil Powell, coach of the Springbok Sevens team.

The official team that will represent Mauritius will be unveiled at the end of this trip. The seven players will face those of opposing teams, namely of Reunion Island, Madagascar and Mayotte, at the rugby field of Northfields educational institution in Mapou on July 24th and 25th.

The official sponsor of the rugby discipline for the IOIG 2019 and partner of the federation (RUM) has chosen to support the national team and focus its communication on a close report of the players and coaches throughout the preparation of the games in order to relay the daily life of the sportsmen. Beyond games, he takes the challenge with the federation to build, step by step, the vision of democratizing rugby in Mauritius.