RAINBOW News

Rainbow’s Tjokkers rugby clinic builds the next generation of Boland rugby champions

From Potential to Participation: Closing the Access Gap in Rural Poultry

Pholosho Monnapule – Rainbow Export Manager

South Africa continues to face two pressing challenges: youth unemployment and food security.

While the country’s agricultural sector holds significant opportunity, many young people in rural communities cannot gain entry because the systems that enable participation are uneven.

Rainbow believes poultry uniquely sits at the intersection of solving both these endemic problems.

As the most widely consumed and affordable source of protein, it plays a critical role in feeding the nation, but its importance has the potential to go beyond mere production. There is a hereto untapped opportunity to create sustainable economic participation at scale.

Realising this potential; however, will require a shift in focus.

Growth in poultry cannot be viewed through production alone. It depends on the strength of the full value chain, from input supply and skills development, to efficient production and reliable market access.

Because the agricultural system is fragmented, many small-scale and emerging farmers face practical barriers such as:

  • high input costs
  • lack of technical skills and ongoing support
  • exclusion from consistent markets

Closing this access gap requires deliberate, coordinated action across the value chain, because true potential is only unlocked when everyone gets to participate equally.

That’s why Rainbow’s focus is on strengthening the systems that enable participation.

This includes improving access to key inputs through initiatives such as Rainbow Day Old Chicks, where depots are being established closer to rural farming communities. By reducing the distance between farmers and essential inputs, we are helping to improve planning, reduce cost pressures, and support more efficient production.

Simultaneously, continued investment in skills development and farmer engagement remains critical to building long-term capability within the sector. We believe that sustainable growth is not achieved through celebrating single, isolated successes, instead it is built by enabling many producers to participate and succeed within a connected, equitable system.

To unlock the full potential of rural poultry production, we must vigilantly:

  1. Strengthen the value chain
  2. Lower barriers to entry
  3. Enable participation at scale

In doing so, poultry can continue to play a meaningful role, not only in nourishing the nation, but in building more resilient rural economies, stabilising food security, and allowing young people the opportunity to realise their potential.

Rainbow Chicken, in proud partnership with Boland Rugby Union and Worcester Villagers RFC, has taken to the field with purpose, launching the Rainbow Tjokkers Rugby Development Clinic, a grassroots initiative bringing young players, families, and communities together through the power of sport.

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Held at the Worcester Villagers Rugby Club, the clinic welcomed 80 enthusiastic boys and girls aged six to nine for a morning packed with energy, learning, and laughter. From their first passes to final high-fives, the day celebrated the teamwork, confidence, and determination that define South African rugby.

“This clinic is about more than just rugby – it’s about giving children a sense of pride, purpose, and opportunity,” says Anton Geustyn, managing director: Western Cape, Rainbow Chicken. “When we invest in young people, we’re helping to shape confident, resilient leaders who can make a difference both on and off the field.”

Under the guidance of Worcester Villagers players and dedicated local coaches, participants took part in skill-building sessions focused on passing, tackling, agility, and teamwork. The festival-style format ensured that every child had a moment to shine, whether scoring a try, supporting a teammate, or discovering their own potential.

Rainbow brought its signature energy beyond the game, transforming the grounds into a vibrant family zone with colourful branding, gazebos, flags, and fence wraps that set the scene for a day full of excitement. Each young Tjokker received a Rainbow-branded T-shirt, cooler bag with snacks, and water bottle, along with Simply Chicken Burgers, cool drinks, and Energade hydration stations to keep players and supporters fuelled throughout the day.

The event ended with photos alongside the Worcester Villagers players, followed by the thrill of the Villagers Top 12 home fixture against the Vanrhynsdorp Eagles. For many of the children, it was their first taste of match-day atmosphere, and a lasting memory of belonging to something bigger than the game.

The Rainbow Tjokkers Rugby Development Clinic embodies Rainbow Chicken’s enduring purpose to ‘Nourish the Nation’ – not only by providing quality food, but by creating opportunities that inspire growth, unity, and hope.

Through initiatives like this, Rainbow continues to invest in the heart of South Africa where sport builds character, families find connection, and future champions are made.

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