Knysna rugby star has sights set on Europe

KNYSNA NEWS - A young, talented rugby player plans on flying the Knysna flag high in Europe later this year after being chosen to be part of an invitational team to tour France and Italy in September.

Caleb Smith, a 14-year-old, Grade 8 pupil at Knysna High School, participated at the Kwagga Junior Rugby Week – one of the top U14 rugby festivals in the country - in George in March this year.

School players from across the country battled it out on the field during which a team was selected for the tour.

Caleb is one of 23 players who were chosen to be part of a U14 team to participate in the Travel and Sport Invitational Tour from 20 to 29 September.

This tour is specifically constructed to expose participants not only to the "sport essence" of the people and offerings of Italy and France, but also the prospective opportunities available to them.

For Caleb, this is a dream come true. His father, Michael Smith, said when Caleb speaks to them about his future, he always mentions his dream of playing rugby professionally abroad and this would be a step in the right direction.

Caleb Smith after finding out he has been chosen to participate in the Travel and Sport Invitational Tour in France and Italy.

Caleb, has been playing rugby since he was seven years old. It didn't take long for those around him to notice his talent with various achievements over the years. Smith, also a former avid rugby player, says the sport of rugby is in his blood.

The journey to Europe is however not only far in distance for the young man, but also a huge financial obstacle.

To participate, Caleb needs to raise more than R50 000. So far his family has managed to raise the initial deposit and insurance fees, which had to be paid at the end of April. They did so by hosting a roosterkoek-burger-and-chips fundraiser in April.

Smith said as it stands, they would need to pay about R12 500 each month before the commencement of the tour to secure his spot. "This is a massive task, but we trust that his dream would come true."

The family will be hosting fundraisers every second week.

People interested to support Caleb on this journey can contact Smith on 0611 453 579.

Caleb Smith after his participation at the Kwagga Junior Rugby Week.