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PLANS to establish Fish Hoek's first-ever rugby club have drawn so much interest that within the space of two weeks, the Fish Hoek Rugby Club was born.

Fitness sessions and practices will now take place at the Silverglade sports field on Wednesdays from 17:00. The first practice takes place this week.

The idea for the rugby club originated from local residents Paul Marais and Robin Raphael, a rugby coach at Fish Hoek Senior High School.

"We were sitting in my lounge in December last year," Robin says. "My son played rugby for Fish Hoek Senior High's first team, and we were talking about how there was no local club for him to slot into."

"So we phoned province and asked them if we could form a club. They got very excited and said they would support us, provided it was a community exercise."

Robin says that whenever local matriculants leave school, they have to play for False Bay Rugby Club in Constantia or Villagers. "So we keep losing our players. The Navy in Simon's Town has players, while Hout Bay guys have to go over the mountain too. A rugby club for Fish Hoek is long overdue."

The club can be registered with Western Province provided it has a minimum of 64 players, which Robin says won't be a problem. However, the rugby season has already started so the Fish Hoek club won't be able to play in the league, although province will allow it to play friendly matches in the league.

The Fish Hoek Rugby Club is forming teams from u/16 through to u/19, u/21 and senior players. Entry-level players are also welcome. Qualified coaches will be working with the players. The club is also making a concerted effort to bring in players from Ocean View, Masiphumelele and Red Hill.

According to Robin, local players are very excited about being involved in the Fish Hoek Rugby Club. "We have people saying they wished they'd never signed with Villagers this season," he says.

Queries about the Fish Hoek Rugby Club can be directed to Robin Raphael on 083 380 1717.

. Paul Marais could not be reached for comment as he was in Korea, accompanying the South African fencing team that is competing in the World Junior Fencing Championships. Paul is chairperson of Fencing Western Cape and manager of the South African junior fen-cing team.

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