It started with one coach, one school, and a simple belief.

Growing up, rugby was more than a sport for Coach Belven Hope — it was a lifeline. It taught him discipline, gave him purpose, and built him a community when he needed one most.

That experience became the reason Hope Rugby Academy exists. Belven started the academy on one simple belief: every child deserves the chance to experience what rugby can do for them — not just the ones who can afford it, or the ones who already know how to play.

So the academy was built at Zwaanswyk Academy Primary School, open to any child, at no cost. Every Friday afternoon, kids from U8 to U14 show up to learn the game, build friendships, and grow into more disciplined, confident versions of themselves — regardless of experience level.