When you watch JP and Ruan Smith on the training field with their Eight7Rugby athletes, it’s clear their purpose extends far beyond drills and conditioning. Alongside their dedicated coaching team, the Smith brothers bring a lifetime of professional experience, global exposure and a deep love for the game to every young player they mentor. Eight7Rugby is more than a rugby clinic. It’s the continuation of a journey that began in South Africa, moved to Australia where they started playing at the young age of sixteen, stretched across the world, and has now come full circle with a focus on giving back.
A JOURNEY BUILT ON BROTHERHOOD, EXPERIENCE AND PURPOSE
Growing up side by side, JP and Ruan pushed each other in ways only twins can. Their shared path carried them from South Africa to Australia and across the global rugby landscape, teaching them what it takes to thrive under pressure, overcome setbacks and build resilience.
These lessons now form the backbone of Eight7Rugby. The twins know success starts long before the whistle blows, with good habits, consistent coaching, strong values and the belief that every young player deserves the chance to reach their potential. Their coaching team echoes this same philosophy, ensuring every athlete receives personal attention, encouragement and guidance.
MENTORSHIP, VALUES AND REAL DEVELOPMENT
The Smith twins bring a unique dynamic shaped by years of growing through the sport together. Their sessions, supported by a passionate team of coaches, are not just about technique or fitness. They focus on discipline, mindset, humility and resilience. Young athletes at Eight7Rugby learn from professionals who understand both elite competition and grassroots challenges, a rare balance that makes the environment so impactful.
Rugby, they remind their players, “is all about attitude.” Every drill, pass, and tackle becomes a lesson in mindset as much as skill.
And when players push through tough moments in training, the lessons run deeper: “The strength of a scrum reveals the character of a team.”
At Eight7Rugby, the scrum is more than a formation; it’s a test of trust, unity, and heart. It’s where boys dig deep, lean on each other, and show courage, grit and character beyond the game.
Their coaching style reflects their journey personal, attentive, and rooted in genuine care for each athlete, whether a beginner or a rising young prospect.
As they put it themselves, “Biggest thing for us at Eight7 is to find a coach that is able to work with children!” This philosophy guides everything they do on the field.
EIGHT7RUGBY AND MAX® MOUTHGUARDS: A SHARED COMMITMENT TO PROTECTION
Having played thousands of minutes at elite rugby levels, Eight7Rugby knows how crucial proper protection is. They pay close attention to detail, choose their gear carefully, and emphasise preparation. That’s why they confidently recommend MAX® Mouthguards to their athletes, the brand they personally trust for dental protection, fit and durability.
MAX® Mouthguards are the number 1 custom mouthguards in South Africa because they combine professional-grade protection with a perfect fit for every athlete. Each mouthguard is custom-moulded, ensuring comfort, stability and optimal performance on the field. They are designed to absorb impact, protect teeth, gums and jaw, and withstand the demands of rugby, hockey, boxing and other contact sports.
Beyond protection, MAX® empowers athletes to focus on their game with confidence, knowing their safety is never compromised.
The players at Eight7Rugby learn to value their bodies, make smart decisions that support long-term performance, and understand that the right gear is part of building an athlete’s future. They discover that protecting themselves is a form of respect for their game, their teammates, and most importantly, themselves.
WHY EIGHT7RUGBY MATTERS AND SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION
The impact of Eight7Rugby is already clear. Kids arrive excited to train, parents see their confidence grow, and young athletes experience what it truly means to be coached by mentors who have lived the game at its highest level.
JP, Ruan, and their dedicated coaching team are shaping more than players; they are fostering character, teamwork and discipline that last far beyond the field.
Their vision is bold and long-term, to create a community where every player feels supported from their first session to their final whistle. A space where rugby is accessible, uplifting and grounded in values that carry into every part of life. Through Eight7Rugby, athletes don’t just learn the game, they learn to dream bigger, push harder and believe in their potential.
With a relentless focus on mentorship, protection and personal development, and with partners like MAX® that share their commitment, the Smith twins are not only nurturing the next generation of rugby players, they are building the future of South African rugby itself. Here, every tackle, every pass, and every moment on the field shapes athletes who carry excellence, heart and resilience into everything they do, on the field and in life.
