GJ VAN VELZE
THE FORMER BULLS, NORTHAMPTON, WORCESTER AND BATH BACK ROW/LOCK
The Springboks' victory had a profound impact in a country where sport significantly influences emotional well-being. Initially, cricket was my first love, and Hansie Cronje was my sports hero. However, after enrolling at Affies (Afrikaans High School for boys), I began to lean more towards rugby. My javelin coach, who was also the rugby coach, saw potential in me to play for the first team. After that, I played age-group representative rugby and captained most of the teams I participated in. Some of the most memorable games were against Grey College, even after all these years. Remarkably, we managed to defeat them five years consecutively.
I joined my childhood team, the Bulls, right after school. It was a team full of talent with a strong desire to win. In such a competitive atmosphere, my game naturally improved.
We won Currie Cup age-grade titles and the Vodacom Cup twice. However, within 18 months, I suffered three significant injuries. I broke my right thumb against the Welwitchias in Windhoek, then broke my cheekbone during a training session. After seven weeks of recovery, I broke my other thumb in a Currie Cup match against the Leopards in Potchefstroom. I decided to move because I believed it would be difficult to regain my place in the team. That's how I landed in Northampton in 2012. I joined a very settled side that was involved in four competition finals over the two years I was there. The team was full of remarkable rugby players of whom many went on to enjoy significant success in other roles.
Two days before my initial flight to join Saints, I trained in a boxing gym to get in the best possible shape.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
