HE'S ON THE BALL

Despite having no lower legs, -Grayton's prowess on the rugby field has made him a social media star 

- COLIN HENDRICKS

HE CHARGES down the field with the ball clutched under one arm, dodging players left, right and centre until he’s finally tackled from behind and brought down.

As spectators either groan or cheer he scrambles up and rushes back to help his team defend their territory.

It’s a scene common across South Africa – young boys getting stuck into the game of rugby, giving their all at every match. But one thing puts this little guy in a league of his own: both his legs have been amputated just below the knees.

There’s been a buzz around eighty-year-old Grayton Rhode after a video circulated of his recent debut for the under-9 team at Stockwell Primary School, near Ashton in the Western Cape.

The sight of Grayton running on his stumps and putting his body on the line warmed thousands of hearts – and those who know this kid will tell you it’s typical of him. Nothing stops him from doing what he wants.

Grayton hasn’t let all the attention go to his head, though: he’s super-shy when YOU meets him in his hometown, offering only a quiet greeting and the occasional smile.

His mom, Annie Rhode (46), however, is bursting with pride for her exceptional kid. “When he went onto the field that day people screamed, ‘Take that child off – he’s going to get hurt!’ But when he started to run even the opposing school’s team cheered for him.”

Nothing puts Grayton off playing rugby, not even the fact that his school has only a gravel field to practise on.

Cushioned guards protect his stumps and he and his friends make their way to the stony pitch every breaktime, playing with a ball they’ve fashioned from old bread bags.