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News
Good Play By Border U21 And U19 Men (12-10-11)
And as for the men there were good wins for both of Border's under age provincial rugby teams in the curtain-raisers to the Border Bulldogs match against Boland. Read More...
Border Fans Have Reason To Celebrate (12-10-11)
Late last month Border rugby fans had reason to celebrate even after the Border Bulldogs had been narrowly beaten by the Valke in a Currie Cup First Division match played at the Absa Stadium in East London. Read More...
U20 Champs 2011 (12-10-11)
The Zululand Rugby Academy deserves an enormous amount of credit, with Empangeni winning both the Basil Medway trophy in the U20A division and the D.W. Geddie Trophy in the U20B division.
J.P. Immelman's U20A team faced tough competition as they met with the Harlequins in the semi final, managing an emphatic victory beating their opponents 39-10. Read More...
Good Win For Zululand Rugby (05-06-11)
Although there is still some fine-tuning to do, the Zululand rugby squad kept their hopes of success in the Ebbo Bastard competition very much alive. This follows their 19-13 victory over the Lammergeiers in Newcastle. ‘We will take the points,' said coach JP Immelman,' but there is still room for improvement.' ‘We struggled to get going in the first half. Read More...
ZRA Not Closing Down (05-06-11)
Chief of the Zululand Rugby Academy Andre Kilian has refuted rumours that the academy is about to close down. ‘I can assure you we are not closing down, although it is true that our players will be going down to play in the Border under 19 and under 21 trials. Read More...
Empangeni Make Cup Final History (14-06-11)
It was an historical occasion for the Empangeni Rugby Club at the Riverside Club on Saturday as they stamped out their authority on this year's KZN Under 20 rugby with two stunning victories in the knock-out competition finals. This is the first time the trophies have ever left Durban. Read More...
Empangeni U20s Qualify For The Finals (10-06-11)
As expected, both Empangeni U20 sides cruised into the finals of their respective knock-out competitions with comfortable victories over Harlequins A and B at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday night. Read More...
U20 Teams Chase More Titles (06-06-11)
The triumphant Empanegni U20 teams will be in action at Mick Kelley Park tomorrow night (Tuesday) in the semi-finals of the U20 knock-out competition. Both teams are league champions and judging by the local boys' performances in the league, we should be in for two highly entertaining contests. Read More...
Empangeni Rugby Makes History (30-05-11)
The Empangeni Rugby Club's under 20 teams have made history. Scoring victories over visiting College Rovers at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday night, the two teams claimed the Frank Norris Trophy and Kings Park Challenge title - the first time ever the coveted crowns find their way north of the Tugela River. Read More...
Rampant Zululand Teams Close To Glory (25-05-11)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni under 20 teams moved a step closer to glory after winning their respective matches in the Bluff on Friday night. The A team ran in seven tries to one in their rampant 51-7 victory over Harlequins, while the B side were also in a killer mood, winning 64-17. The good news is that Ryno Olivier is back with a vengeance. Read More...
Chris Is Class Act (19-05-11)
Chris Kemp, who packs down in the centre of a very strong front row, is the Empangeni Rugby Club player of the year for the 2010 season. This was announced at the annual cocktail party held at the clubhouse on Wednesday night. Brought up in the George district, Chris went to school at PW Botha High. He captained the school's first fifteen and then the Eagles side in the 2003 Craven Week. Read More...
Under 20s Do Empangeni Proud (19-05-11)
After their recent successful run the Empangeni under 20A's continued their winning ways at the Crusaders Club Ranleigh Crescent last Tuesday night with a convincing 36-3 win over the home team. Leading 24-3 at half-time they ran in six tries without reply to chalk up their seventh win from eight games in the Frank Norris League competition. Read More...
Empangeni U20 Storms Over Midlands (18-04-11)
Empangeni's U20 A ran in no fever than 12 tries, eight of which were converted, in their massive 78-3 win over Midlands at Woodburn Stadium on Friday night.
The Empangeni team, which heads the B Division log, earned the full five points here.
In the second team match. Empangeni were 29-3 up at half-time, but an electric storm prevented any further play after the break. Read More...
Academy Rugby Showcases Top Class Talent (12-04-11)
The interest in this year's National Academy Cup rugby tournament has certainly grown, as has the standard of rugby with all eight teams helping to make this a memorable occasion. Saturday's action kicked off with the Blue Bulls up against Stellenbosch in the Plate final. The Bulls got their act together, running in seven tries for a convincing 44-10 victory. Read More...
Zululand Goes Through In Rugby Feast (08-04-11)
With the rain holding up and the weather ideal for rugby, spectators were treated to an excellent opening day at the National Academy Cup (NAC) at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday. All eight Academies participating in this year's event were on view, with one or two surprising results arising. Read More...
Field Of Dreams For Young Talent (06-04-11)
Relentless combat manoeuvres, blood, sweat and perhaps even some tears will be the order of the day at Empangeni's Mick Kelly this week. Read More...
Bubble And Squeak (06-04-11)
'We'll take the points for the win.'It's never easy coming here and this game was no exception,' were the remarks of Collegians officials after watching their team squeak in 36-34 in a crucial Frank Norris U20A fixture against Empangeni on Friday night. It was a thrilling game, but the local officials were not pleased. Read More...
ZRA Ready To Defend Crown (04-04-11)
The country's top young rugby talent will descend on Zululand next week for the annual National Academy Cup tournament. Eight Rugby Academy teams will hunt the national title at Empangeni's Mick Kelly Park from Tuesday. Now in its second year, the Zululand Rugby Academy will hope to successfully defend the cup they won last year. Read More...
Empangeni State Their Case In Style (24-03-11)
ZRA Empangeni could not have wished for a better start to their 2011 under-20 A Division campaign and have certainly raised a few eye-brows with three outstanding games in the opening rounds of the Frank Norris Trophy competition.
Their most recent performance against Jonsson College Rovers was a revelation. Read More...
Fast Furious Home Ground Win (18-03-11)
Running in four tries to two, Empangeni got their Frank Norris U20 campaign off to a cracking start with a convincing 37-18 win over Crusaders at Mick Kelly Park on Friday night. With the game played at tremendous pace, the large group of spectators was treated to superb rugby. Read More...
Rugger Wheels (22-02-11)
Ritchie Auto is sponsoring a new car for the Zululand Rugby Academy this season. Read More...
Building A Winning Culture (07-02-11)
After patiently ushering away tearful mothers, no time was wasted in introducing the Zululand Rugby Academy's new recruits to the tough world of professional rugby. New signee VERNON PRINSLOO takes us on the journey to the Academy's training camp. Read More...
ZRA Success Story - Dwayne Jenner (07-02-11)
This very shy subdued boy hales from Benoni in Gauteng where he played high school rugby with no real plans for the future till the ZRA scouts discovered him.
He initially had difficulty adapting to the heat and humidity but has would not play under any other conditions as he know considers KZN as home. Read More...
Bell Scholarship 2010 (07-02-11)
Two of the ZRA boys were awarded this prestigious scholarship and they were both thrilled and shocked that among the elite in rugby they were given the opportunity as reward for their hard work and efforts in 2010.
Here is the story of Ushimin and Wayne. Read More...
Rugby Academy Ready To Roll (24-01-11)
As has been said in the past, the Zululand Rugby Acaedmy is all about producing well-balanced and comitted students and rugby players.
These were the sentiments of every speaker who welcomed the 2011 Academy players in Empangeni.
'You only cry twice when you join this Academy,' President Andre Kilian said, 'the day you join and the day you leave. Read More...
ZRA Rugby Camp Sweetwater Farm (20-01-11)
It started out on a bittersweet note as our new first years had to leave their comfort of their homes and say goodbye to their parents where the Moms who were warned not to embarrass them could not help themselves but shed a tear or two.
The drive to Margate was nothing but exciting as the boys were forced to get to know each other and share their life experiences. Read More...
Rugby Getting Into Gear (13-01-11)
 The Empangeni Rugby Club are making every effort to get themselves ready for the new season which kicks off officially on 9 April. The U20s who have to complete their season prior to the commencement on the U19 provincial tournament, will start league rugby on the weekend of 11 and 12 March. Read More...
Bell Presents Bursaries To Top ZRA Achievers (02-11-10)
Two top achievers from the Zululand Rugby Academy have been offered the experience of a lifetime – the chance learn from some of rugby’s ‘greats’ by attending the Investec International Rugby Academy High Performance Course. Read More...
Rugby Academy Celebrate Successes (01-11-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy wound down a highly successful 2010 season with their annual prize-giving dinner at the Empangeni Civic Centre on Wednesday night. Academy President, Andre Killian presented an overview of the year’s activities and announced that the Academy had a good intake for next year. ‘With 65 students on our books, we could be in for a good year’, he said. Read More...
Castle Murray Cup Knock Out (18-08-10)
Rhinos 1 travelled to Vryheid on Saturday 14 August for the first round of the 2010 Castle Murray Cup. The format of the Murray Cup, a knock-out competition, has been changed slightly this year and it makes the competition a little more interesting.
Normally the eight Premier Division clubs contest this competition and the First Division clubs contest the Junior Murray Cup. Read More...
Rugbydroom Word Waar (28-07-10)
( 3 Comments)
ADO WESSELS, 'n Kroonstadse seun, het 'n droom verwesenlik deur die eerste tree in provinsiale rugby die afgelope twee naweke te gee. Ado, seun van Kim en Renette Wessels van Kroonstad, het met trots die Haaie se o.19-trui as slot oor sy kop getrek. Read More...
Varsity Celebrates (27-07-10)
Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos’ hopes of spoiling Maritzburg Varsity’s centenary celebrations on Saturday afternoon came to nought, as they went down 33-20 to the home team in a Premier League match. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions, but unfortunately, the Rhinos allowed Varsity to claim glory after conceding two soft tries. Read More...
Brave Effort From Rhinos (12-07-10)
Up against College Rovers on their own stamping ground, with their team loaded with Sharks and Vodacom Cup players, is always going to be a daunting task. But that did not prevent Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos from giving them something to think about, going down 34-19 at Kings Park 3 on Saturday afternoon in a brave fight against their more fancied opponents. Read More...
Dwayne Makes Sharks’ Currie Cup Squad (08-07-10)
Dwayne Jenner’s selection for the senior Sharks’ Currie Cup side is not only a boost for the Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA), but for the Empangeni Rugby Club (ERC) as well. Dwayne, who is the captain of the Empangeni U20 team, came off the bench in the Sharks’ compulsory friendly against the Falcons in Nigel two weeks ago. Read More...
U20s Match Trophy Winners (08-07-10)
Zululand's U20s took on Northern Natal’s Lammergeiers at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday in the final match of the Phillip Nel Trophy. The Lammergeiers dominated early exchanges, with their forwards leading the way. But it was Zululand, with their massive pack now gaining confidence, who opened the scoring with a try to flanker Jeandré Lotmet. Read More...
Last Gasp Victory For Zululand (06-07-10)
Northern Natal scoop Ebbo Bastard Trophy
In a nail-biting victory, with the winning points coming in the final minute, Zululand beat Northern Natal’s Lammergeiers 18-17 in a riveting Ebbo Bastard Trophy match at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday afternoon. Read More...
Poor Tackling Leads To Midlands Win (01-07-10)
Zululand U20s let themselves down with poor tackling resulting in a 34-22 loss to Midlands at the Woodburn Stadium in Pietermartizburg on Saturday, a game they should have easily won. The encounter was a curtain-raiser to the senior teams’ match. A Zululand penalty missed in the first minute was a sad indication of kicking woes that were to continue throughout the day, by all four teams. Read More...
Zululand Rugby Team Selected (31-05-10)
The following rugby players have been selected to represent Zululand at the Philip Nel Trophy tournament against Southern Natal, Northern Natal, Midlands and Lammergeyers. Players must report for practice on Wednesday 2 June at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni at 6pm. Players who are not able to make this practice must contact Dagwood van Vuuren on 082 8020708. Read More...
Sharks Squad Selections (31-05-10)
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Empangeni Hang On For Glory (24-05-10)
Coming off another stunning 49-3 victory against Midlands last Wednesday night, Empangeni’s U20As laid on the charm at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday afternoon with a comfortable 27-18 win over Harlequins. This time, the opposition was much stronger and, with Empangeni not quite at full strength with a number of their top players playing for the Rhinos, a tight game was expected. Read More...
Empangeni Hands Out Another Mauling (17-05-10)
Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s kept their aspirations of finishing third on the Frank Norris League log very much alive after annihilating Jaguars 65-8 at the Jaguars sports club on Thursday night. It was another run away victory for Empangeni, who scored 11 tries to one. A persistent cross-wind throughout the match made place kicking difficult, resulting in only five of 11 conversions successful. Read More...
Hat Trick Wins For Rhinos (12-05-10)
The Thanda ZRA Rhinos and Empangeni u20’s had a very successful home matchday on Friday 7 May against Maritzburg Varsity and Pietermaritzburg respectively. The u20’s got proceedings underway at 17h00 and were in destructive form as they ran in nine tries to nothing. Read More...
Heartbreaking Loss To Old Boys (03-05-10)
What a cruel game rugby can be! Empangeni’s U20s should have had a celebratory journey home from the Riverside Club after digging deep to regain the lead from Old Boys in the second half, but instead it was a long, dismal trip back to Empangeni. The victory was theirs to celebrate. Read More...
College Rovers (26-04-10)
College Rovers went home well satisfied with their trip to Empangeni, with all three of their teams picking up victories on Friday night at Mick Kelly Park. Their U20s came away with a comfortable 27-10 win, while their second team , scored seven tries in their massive 45-0 win. Read More...
Four Tries To Pace Ace Petini (19-04-10)
The Empangeni U20 rugby side was in a rampant mood at the weekend.
Playing in front of their home crowd at Mick Kelly Park, the local outfit slaughtered Crusaders 73-5 on Saturday. It was one way traffic as the Empangeni boys steamed in for no fewer than 11 tries - nine of which were converted. Read More...
U20s Run Out Of Steam (16-04-10)
Mick Kelly Park was the venue for the clash of the titans, with Empangeni’s U20As up against an unbeaten Durban Collegians in the early curtain-raiser at 1pm on Saturday. The match got off to a cracking start for the home team. With a stiff wind at their backs, they were quickly into a 10-0 lead after just 10 minutes’ of play. Read More...
ZuluBoys Do Us Proud (09-04-10)
There was great excitement at Mick Kelly Park on Monday afternoon as the Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA) produced a superb effort to beat the Bulls/Tuks 29-26, in what was a pulsating final of the inaugural National Academy Cup (NAC). It was a final to savour and a fitting climax to what was a memorable occasion that will live with us for many a year to come. Read More...
Chasing Cup Glory (06-04-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy squad will be facing the Bulls in today’s (Monday) first National Academy Rugby Cup final at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm, with the first play-off matches starting at 9am. Read More...
Victorious Zululand Rugby Academy (05-04-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA) hosted the inaugural National Academy Cup (NAC) over the Easter weekend and what a success story. The planning and layout that goes into a tournament like this is tremendous and everybody involved needs a tap on the shoulder for the fine work they’ve done. Read More...
Top Academy On Show (02-04-10)
With club rugby players having the Easter Weekend off throughout the province, everything points to Mick Kelly Park where the Thanda ZRA Empangeni Rugby Club is preparing for the National Rugby Academy Cup from Thursday 1 - Monday 5 April. Read More...
U20s Scrape Through On The Bluff (26-03-10)
U20Bs slaughter Ogwini Bafana Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s made a successful trip to Durban on Friday night, with both teams picking up significant victories. The A team were up against a strong, unbeaten Harlequins team on the Bluff and had to rely on the educated boot of Louis Kruger, who kicked two penalties, one in each half, to give them the victory they wanted. Read More...
Into The Bluff Wind For U20s (26-03-10)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20 selectors are not expected to make many changes to their team to take on Harlequins at the Bluff this Friday 26 March. Harlequins are still unbeaten and are one log point ahead of Empangeni with three wins and a draw to their credit. Read More...
Baby Rhinos Dish Out Lessons (22-03-10)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s let Old Boys know ‘wie die baas is’ at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday with two convincing victories. The B team won 41-17, while the A team gave Old Boys a lesson of how this game should be played with a stunning 38-5 victory. Read More...
Zululand Vicory March (10-03-10)
Who would have believed that Thanda ZRA Empangeni would lead the way after round two of the Frank Norris Under 20A club rugby competition?
The Zululanders have clearly signaled their intentions after two convincing wins in the league, and look destined to upset some of the more favoured sides as the season progresses. Read More...
Zra Development (17-02-10)
Paul Gouge, Sales Manager of Ritchie Auto Richards Bay, hands over the sponsored Ford Ikon to JP Immelman, ZRA Manager. The vehicle will be used for the running of the day to day activities of the Academy as well as their Development programme. Read More...
U 20 Gears Up (17-02-10)
The Empangeni Rugby Football Club held very successful trials for the under 20 teams on Saturday 13 February with 42 players showing up and a further 10 that are still struggling with niggling, short term injuries. Read More...
Oh Glory Days (17-02-10)
No lady can resist a rose-bearing beefcake onslaught, no matter what the age. The 'Ruggadales' from the Zululand Rugby Academy visited the Empangeni Golden Oldies meeting on Friday to surprise a very special birthday girl on her happy day. Read More...
Sinbin (08-02-10)
The kitchen at Mick Kelly Park (Empangeni Rugby Club) offers daily pub lunches from 12h00 to 19h00. They offer a delicious variety of meals at very affordable prices and run daily specials on selected items. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Read More...
ERFC Trials (08-02-10)
Empangeni Rugby Football Club’s pre-season campaign is slowly reaching its peak building up to their trials during the last week of February 2010. The focus is now shifting away from predominant strength and power work to more aerobic and contact fitness. Read More...
Big Match For Mick Kelly Park (08-02-10)
Empangeni Rugby Football Club (ERFC), the headquarters of Zululand Rugby, is privileged to host another Vodacom Cup match on 13 March 2010. The Sharks XV will take on the Free State Cheetahs in the heart of Zululand to try and replicate their performance from 2009 when they beat Western Province in Empangeni. Read More...
Zra 2010 (ï»-¿0-70110)
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And as for the men there were good wins for both of Border's under age provincial rugby teams in the curtain-raisers to the Border Bulldogs match against Boland. Read More...
Border Fans Have Reason To Celebrate (12-10-11)
Late last month Border rugby fans had reason to celebrate even after the Border Bulldogs had been narrowly beaten by the Valke in a Currie Cup First Division match played at the Absa Stadium in East London. Read More...
U20 Champs 2011 (12-10-11)
The Zululand Rugby Academy deserves an enormous amount of credit, with Empangeni winning both the Basil Medway trophy in the U20A division and the D.W. Geddie Trophy in the U20B division.
J.P. Immelman's U20A team faced tough competition as they met with the Harlequins in the semi final, managing an emphatic victory beating their opponents 39-10. Read More...
Good Win For Zululand Rugby (05-06-11)
Although there is still some fine-tuning to do, the Zululand rugby squad kept their hopes of success in the Ebbo Bastard competition very much alive. This follows their 19-13 victory over the Lammergeiers in Newcastle. ‘We will take the points,' said coach JP Immelman,' but there is still room for improvement.' ‘We struggled to get going in the first half. Read More...
ZRA Not Closing Down (05-06-11)
Chief of the Zululand Rugby Academy Andre Kilian has refuted rumours that the academy is about to close down. ‘I can assure you we are not closing down, although it is true that our players will be going down to play in the Border under 19 and under 21 trials. Read More...
Empangeni Make Cup Final History (14-06-11)
It was an historical occasion for the Empangeni Rugby Club at the Riverside Club on Saturday as they stamped out their authority on this year's KZN Under 20 rugby with two stunning victories in the knock-out competition finals. This is the first time the trophies have ever left Durban. Read More...
Empangeni U20s Qualify For The Finals (10-06-11)
As expected, both Empangeni U20 sides cruised into the finals of their respective knock-out competitions with comfortable victories over Harlequins A and B at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday night. Read More...
U20 Teams Chase More Titles (06-06-11)
The triumphant Empanegni U20 teams will be in action at Mick Kelley Park tomorrow night (Tuesday) in the semi-finals of the U20 knock-out competition. Both teams are league champions and judging by the local boys' performances in the league, we should be in for two highly entertaining contests. Read More...
Empangeni Rugby Makes History (30-05-11)
The Empangeni Rugby Club's under 20 teams have made history. Scoring victories over visiting College Rovers at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday night, the two teams claimed the Frank Norris Trophy and Kings Park Challenge title - the first time ever the coveted crowns find their way north of the Tugela River. Read More...
Rampant Zululand Teams Close To Glory (25-05-11)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni under 20 teams moved a step closer to glory after winning their respective matches in the Bluff on Friday night. The A team ran in seven tries to one in their rampant 51-7 victory over Harlequins, while the B side were also in a killer mood, winning 64-17. The good news is that Ryno Olivier is back with a vengeance. Read More...
Chris Is Class Act (19-05-11)
Chris Kemp, who packs down in the centre of a very strong front row, is the Empangeni Rugby Club player of the year for the 2010 season. This was announced at the annual cocktail party held at the clubhouse on Wednesday night. Brought up in the George district, Chris went to school at PW Botha High. He captained the school's first fifteen and then the Eagles side in the 2003 Craven Week. Read More...
Under 20s Do Empangeni Proud (19-05-11)
After their recent successful run the Empangeni under 20A's continued their winning ways at the Crusaders Club Ranleigh Crescent last Tuesday night with a convincing 36-3 win over the home team. Leading 24-3 at half-time they ran in six tries without reply to chalk up their seventh win from eight games in the Frank Norris League competition. Read More...
Empangeni U20 Storms Over Midlands (18-04-11)
Empangeni's U20 A ran in no fever than 12 tries, eight of which were converted, in their massive 78-3 win over Midlands at Woodburn Stadium on Friday night.
The Empangeni team, which heads the B Division log, earned the full five points here.
In the second team match. Empangeni were 29-3 up at half-time, but an electric storm prevented any further play after the break. Read More...
Academy Rugby Showcases Top Class Talent (12-04-11)
The interest in this year's National Academy Cup rugby tournament has certainly grown, as has the standard of rugby with all eight teams helping to make this a memorable occasion. Saturday's action kicked off with the Blue Bulls up against Stellenbosch in the Plate final. The Bulls got their act together, running in seven tries for a convincing 44-10 victory. Read More...
Zululand Goes Through In Rugby Feast (08-04-11)
With the rain holding up and the weather ideal for rugby, spectators were treated to an excellent opening day at the National Academy Cup (NAC) at Mick Kelly Park on Tuesday. All eight Academies participating in this year's event were on view, with one or two surprising results arising. Read More...
Field Of Dreams For Young Talent (06-04-11)
Relentless combat manoeuvres, blood, sweat and perhaps even some tears will be the order of the day at Empangeni's Mick Kelly this week. Read More...
Bubble And Squeak (06-04-11)
'We'll take the points for the win.'It's never easy coming here and this game was no exception,' were the remarks of Collegians officials after watching their team squeak in 36-34 in a crucial Frank Norris U20A fixture against Empangeni on Friday night. It was a thrilling game, but the local officials were not pleased. Read More...
ZRA Ready To Defend Crown (04-04-11)
The country's top young rugby talent will descend on Zululand next week for the annual National Academy Cup tournament. Eight Rugby Academy teams will hunt the national title at Empangeni's Mick Kelly Park from Tuesday. Now in its second year, the Zululand Rugby Academy will hope to successfully defend the cup they won last year. Read More...
Empangeni State Their Case In Style (24-03-11)
ZRA Empangeni could not have wished for a better start to their 2011 under-20 A Division campaign and have certainly raised a few eye-brows with three outstanding games in the opening rounds of the Frank Norris Trophy competition.
Their most recent performance against Jonsson College Rovers was a revelation. Read More...
Fast Furious Home Ground Win (18-03-11)
Running in four tries to two, Empangeni got their Frank Norris U20 campaign off to a cracking start with a convincing 37-18 win over Crusaders at Mick Kelly Park on Friday night. With the game played at tremendous pace, the large group of spectators was treated to superb rugby. Read More...
Rugger Wheels (22-02-11)

Ritchie Auto is sponsoring a new car for the Zululand Rugby Academy this season. Read More...
Building A Winning Culture (07-02-11)
After patiently ushering away tearful mothers, no time was wasted in introducing the Zululand Rugby Academy's new recruits to the tough world of professional rugby. New signee VERNON PRINSLOO takes us on the journey to the Academy's training camp. Read More...
ZRA Success Story - Dwayne Jenner (07-02-11)
This very shy subdued boy hales from Benoni in Gauteng where he played high school rugby with no real plans for the future till the ZRA scouts discovered him.
He initially had difficulty adapting to the heat and humidity but has would not play under any other conditions as he know considers KZN as home. Read More...
Bell Scholarship 2010 (07-02-11)
Two of the ZRA boys were awarded this prestigious scholarship and they were both thrilled and shocked that among the elite in rugby they were given the opportunity as reward for their hard work and efforts in 2010.
Here is the story of Ushimin and Wayne. Read More...
Rugby Academy Ready To Roll (24-01-11)
As has been said in the past, the Zululand Rugby Acaedmy is all about producing well-balanced and comitted students and rugby players.
These were the sentiments of every speaker who welcomed the 2011 Academy players in Empangeni.
'You only cry twice when you join this Academy,' President Andre Kilian said, 'the day you join and the day you leave. Read More...
ZRA Rugby Camp Sweetwater Farm (20-01-11)
It started out on a bittersweet note as our new first years had to leave their comfort of their homes and say goodbye to their parents where the Moms who were warned not to embarrass them could not help themselves but shed a tear or two.
The drive to Margate was nothing but exciting as the boys were forced to get to know each other and share their life experiences. Read More...
Rugby Getting Into Gear (13-01-11)
 The Empangeni Rugby Club are making every effort to get themselves ready for the new season which kicks off officially on 9 April. The U20s who have to complete their season prior to the commencement on the U19 provincial tournament, will start league rugby on the weekend of 11 and 12 March. Read More...
Bell Presents Bursaries To Top ZRA Achievers (02-11-10)

Two top achievers from the Zululand Rugby Academy have been offered the experience of a lifetime – the chance learn from some of rugby’s ‘greats’ by attending the Investec International Rugby Academy High Performance Course. Read More...
Rugby Academy Celebrate Successes (01-11-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy wound down a highly successful 2010 season with their annual prize-giving dinner at the Empangeni Civic Centre on Wednesday night. Academy President, Andre Killian presented an overview of the year’s activities and announced that the Academy had a good intake for next year. ‘With 65 students on our books, we could be in for a good year’, he said. Read More...
Castle Murray Cup Knock Out (18-08-10)
Rhinos 1 travelled to Vryheid on Saturday 14 August for the first round of the 2010 Castle Murray Cup. The format of the Murray Cup, a knock-out competition, has been changed slightly this year and it makes the competition a little more interesting.
Normally the eight Premier Division clubs contest this competition and the First Division clubs contest the Junior Murray Cup. Read More...
Rugbydroom Word Waar (28-07-10)
( 3 Comments)
ADO WESSELS, 'n Kroonstadse seun, het 'n droom verwesenlik deur die eerste tree in provinsiale rugby die afgelope twee naweke te gee. Ado, seun van Kim en Renette Wessels van Kroonstad, het met trots die Haaie se o.19-trui as slot oor sy kop getrek. Read More...
Varsity Celebrates (27-07-10)
Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos’ hopes of spoiling Maritzburg Varsity’s centenary celebrations on Saturday afternoon came to nought, as they went down 33-20 to the home team in a Premier League match. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions, but unfortunately, the Rhinos allowed Varsity to claim glory after conceding two soft tries. Read More...
Brave Effort From Rhinos (12-07-10)
Up against College Rovers on their own stamping ground, with their team loaded with Sharks and Vodacom Cup players, is always going to be a daunting task. But that did not prevent Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos from giving them something to think about, going down 34-19 at Kings Park 3 on Saturday afternoon in a brave fight against their more fancied opponents. Read More...
Dwayne Makes Sharks’ Currie Cup Squad (08-07-10)
Dwayne Jenner’s selection for the senior Sharks’ Currie Cup side is not only a boost for the Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA), but for the Empangeni Rugby Club (ERC) as well. Dwayne, who is the captain of the Empangeni U20 team, came off the bench in the Sharks’ compulsory friendly against the Falcons in Nigel two weeks ago. Read More...
U20s Match Trophy Winners (08-07-10)
Zululand's U20s took on Northern Natal’s Lammergeiers at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday in the final match of the Phillip Nel Trophy. The Lammergeiers dominated early exchanges, with their forwards leading the way. But it was Zululand, with their massive pack now gaining confidence, who opened the scoring with a try to flanker Jeandré Lotmet. Read More...
Last Gasp Victory For Zululand (06-07-10)
Northern Natal scoop Ebbo Bastard Trophy
In a nail-biting victory, with the winning points coming in the final minute, Zululand beat Northern Natal’s Lammergeiers 18-17 in a riveting Ebbo Bastard Trophy match at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday afternoon. Read More...
Poor Tackling Leads To Midlands Win (01-07-10)
Zululand U20s let themselves down with poor tackling resulting in a 34-22 loss to Midlands at the Woodburn Stadium in Pietermartizburg on Saturday, a game they should have easily won. The encounter was a curtain-raiser to the senior teams’ match. A Zululand penalty missed in the first minute was a sad indication of kicking woes that were to continue throughout the day, by all four teams. Read More...
Zululand Rugby Team Selected (31-05-10)
The following rugby players have been selected to represent Zululand at the Philip Nel Trophy tournament against Southern Natal, Northern Natal, Midlands and Lammergeyers. Players must report for practice on Wednesday 2 June at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni at 6pm. Players who are not able to make this practice must contact Dagwood van Vuuren on 082 8020708. Read More...
Sharks Squad Selections (31-05-10)
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Empangeni Hang On For Glory (24-05-10)
Coming off another stunning 49-3 victory against Midlands last Wednesday night, Empangeni’s U20As laid on the charm at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday afternoon with a comfortable 27-18 win over Harlequins. This time, the opposition was much stronger and, with Empangeni not quite at full strength with a number of their top players playing for the Rhinos, a tight game was expected. Read More...
Empangeni Hands Out Another Mauling (17-05-10)
Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s kept their aspirations of finishing third on the Frank Norris League log very much alive after annihilating Jaguars 65-8 at the Jaguars sports club on Thursday night. It was another run away victory for Empangeni, who scored 11 tries to one. A persistent cross-wind throughout the match made place kicking difficult, resulting in only five of 11 conversions successful. Read More...
Hat Trick Wins For Rhinos (12-05-10)
The Thanda ZRA Rhinos and Empangeni u20’s had a very successful home matchday on Friday 7 May against Maritzburg Varsity and Pietermaritzburg respectively. The u20’s got proceedings underway at 17h00 and were in destructive form as they ran in nine tries to nothing. Read More...
Heartbreaking Loss To Old Boys (03-05-10)
What a cruel game rugby can be! Empangeni’s U20s should have had a celebratory journey home from the Riverside Club after digging deep to regain the lead from Old Boys in the second half, but instead it was a long, dismal trip back to Empangeni. The victory was theirs to celebrate. Read More...
College Rovers (26-04-10)
College Rovers went home well satisfied with their trip to Empangeni, with all three of their teams picking up victories on Friday night at Mick Kelly Park. Their U20s came away with a comfortable 27-10 win, while their second team , scored seven tries in their massive 45-0 win. Read More...
Four Tries To Pace Ace Petini (19-04-10)
The Empangeni U20 rugby side was in a rampant mood at the weekend.
Playing in front of their home crowd at Mick Kelly Park, the local outfit slaughtered Crusaders 73-5 on Saturday. It was one way traffic as the Empangeni boys steamed in for no fewer than 11 tries - nine of which were converted. Read More...
U20s Run Out Of Steam (16-04-10)
Mick Kelly Park was the venue for the clash of the titans, with Empangeni’s U20As up against an unbeaten Durban Collegians in the early curtain-raiser at 1pm on Saturday. The match got off to a cracking start for the home team. With a stiff wind at their backs, they were quickly into a 10-0 lead after just 10 minutes’ of play. Read More...
ZuluBoys Do Us Proud (09-04-10)
There was great excitement at Mick Kelly Park on Monday afternoon as the Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA) produced a superb effort to beat the Bulls/Tuks 29-26, in what was a pulsating final of the inaugural National Academy Cup (NAC). It was a final to savour and a fitting climax to what was a memorable occasion that will live with us for many a year to come. Read More...
Chasing Cup Glory (06-04-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy squad will be facing the Bulls in today’s (Monday) first National Academy Rugby Cup final at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm, with the first play-off matches starting at 9am. Read More...
Victorious Zululand Rugby Academy (05-04-10)
The Zululand Rugby Academy (ZRA) hosted the inaugural National Academy Cup (NAC) over the Easter weekend and what a success story. The planning and layout that goes into a tournament like this is tremendous and everybody involved needs a tap on the shoulder for the fine work they’ve done. Read More...
Top Academy On Show (02-04-10)
With club rugby players having the Easter Weekend off throughout the province, everything points to Mick Kelly Park where the Thanda ZRA Empangeni Rugby Club is preparing for the National Rugby Academy Cup from Thursday 1 - Monday 5 April. Read More...
U20s Scrape Through On The Bluff (26-03-10)
U20Bs slaughter Ogwini Bafana Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s made a successful trip to Durban on Friday night, with both teams picking up significant victories. The A team were up against a strong, unbeaten Harlequins team on the Bluff and had to rely on the educated boot of Louis Kruger, who kicked two penalties, one in each half, to give them the victory they wanted. Read More...
Into The Bluff Wind For U20s (26-03-10)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20 selectors are not expected to make many changes to their team to take on Harlequins at the Bluff this Friday 26 March. Harlequins are still unbeaten and are one log point ahead of Empangeni with three wins and a draw to their credit. Read More...
Baby Rhinos Dish Out Lessons (22-03-10)
The Thanda ZRA Empangeni U20s let Old Boys know ‘wie die baas is’ at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday with two convincing victories. The B team won 41-17, while the A team gave Old Boys a lesson of how this game should be played with a stunning 38-5 victory. Read More...
Zululand Vicory March (10-03-10)
Who would have believed that Thanda ZRA Empangeni would lead the way after round two of the Frank Norris Under 20A club rugby competition?
The Zululanders have clearly signaled their intentions after two convincing wins in the league, and look destined to upset some of the more favoured sides as the season progresses. Read More...
Zra Development (17-02-10)
Paul Gouge, Sales Manager of Ritchie Auto Richards Bay, hands over the sponsored Ford Ikon to JP Immelman, ZRA Manager. The vehicle will be used for the running of the day to day activities of the Academy as well as their Development programme. Read More...
U 20 Gears Up (17-02-10)
The Empangeni Rugby Football Club held very successful trials for the under 20 teams on Saturday 13 February with 42 players showing up and a further 10 that are still struggling with niggling, short term injuries. Read More...
Oh Glory Days (17-02-10)
No lady can resist a rose-bearing beefcake onslaught, no matter what the age. The 'Ruggadales' from the Zululand Rugby Academy visited the Empangeni Golden Oldies meeting on Friday to surprise a very special birthday girl on her happy day. Read More...
Sinbin (08-02-10)
The kitchen at Mick Kelly Park (Empangeni Rugby Club) offers daily pub lunches from 12h00 to 19h00. They offer a delicious variety of meals at very affordable prices and run daily specials on selected items. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Read More...
ERFC Trials (08-02-10)
Empangeni Rugby Football Club’s pre-season campaign is slowly reaching its peak building up to their trials during the last week of February 2010. The focus is now shifting away from predominant strength and power work to more aerobic and contact fitness. Read More...
Big Match For Mick Kelly Park (08-02-10)
Empangeni Rugby Football Club (ERFC), the headquarters of Zululand Rugby, is privileged to host another Vodacom Cup match on 13 March 2010. The Sharks XV will take on the Free State Cheetahs in the heart of Zululand to try and replicate their performance from 2009 when they beat Western Province in Empangeni. Read More...
Zra 2010 (ï»-¿0-70110)
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