Canan Moodie’s appointment as a Springbok has “converted” much of his former All Blacks supporter community in Paarl, his brother has revealed.
The 22-year-old was called up to wear green and gold in 2022, a year before contributing to the team’s Rugby World Cup victory.
He has previously spoken about working hard to escape a life of gangsterism, drug abuse, and crime.
CANAN MOODIE ‘CONVERTED’ ALL BLACKS COMMUNITY
In a heartwarming X post, Canan Moodie’s older brother, Keanu, was at a loss for words over his sibling’s successful career as a Springbok. This comes on the eve of South Africa’s fierce face-off against New Zealand on Saturday, 6 September.
He tweeted: “It’s unreal to think about it. Six years ago, my brother and I used to wake up early with my father to watch the Boks vs. All Blacks. Excited to see the Haka, etc”.
He proudly added: “So many All Blacks supporters in our neighborhaved has switched due to Canan playing for the Springboks!”
He added that his brother’s inclusion in the team to play the All Blacks was “a dream come true”, and “a chance to be part of history”.
Canan Moodie’s mom, Chantel Moodie, has also bragged about her son’s achievement of being the 2nd youngest player appointed as a for the Springbok, and the youngest to play for the squad at a World Cup.
In an inspiring Facebook post, she shared, “Let no one and nothing stand in your way to live your dreams. And put God at the centre of it all. What God has done for Canan, He CAN and is able to do it for you. Never stop praying for your kids and encouraging and helping them to bring out the best in them.”
STREETS TO SPRINGBOK
Canan Moodie has often spoken about his humble beginnings in Amstelof, near Paarl in the Western Cape.
The neighbourhood was rife with gangsterism – a life his parents and older brother Keanu fought hard to keep him out of.
In fact, Canan claims that one of his closest neighbours still operates a drug den.
Images via Instagram:
@moodie_c13
The now 23-year-old was inspired to play rugby by his brother and would train in his yard or on the streets. A video of him training on a small piece of turf during SA’s hard COVID-19 lockdown attests to his sheer determination and focus.
He told the Irish Examiner: “It was tough. But when you come from a tough environment, you play the cards that you’re dealt”.
IS CANAN MOODIE ONE OF THE SPRINGBOKS’ BEST UP-AND-COMING TALENT?
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