Junior Springboks Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead were invited to train with the senior team for the last two weeks in line with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ plans to continue building squad depth and nurturing the young talent for the future.
Here is what they had to say about the unique experience.
Haashim Pead
“I’ve learnt valuable lessons, and the experience I gained will truly go a long way,” said the scrumhalf, who was second on the list of top try scorers at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
“Thanks to the coaches and players. I believe I have grown in the last two weeks, and with these high standards, it definitely motivated me to give my absolute best so that I can reach the level they are at.
“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I hope that there many more of these to come in the future. It made me realise that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I’ll certainly take all the lessons and apply it to my game, and hopefully I’ll keep growing and become a better rugby player and human being.”
Bathobele Hlekani
“It was very special, and I learned a lot from the forwards as well as the coaching staff,” the powerful loose forward commented.
“The last two weeks have allowed me to improve the techniques I was lacking in, and the intensity of the training sessions were very high, which was great for us.
“I’ll definitely take what I learned and use it to improve my game, and hopefully we’ll get another opportunity like this in future. I’m going to keep pushing, stay hungry, and hopefully one day I’ll be part of this squad.”
Cheswill Jooste
“The past two weeks with the Springboks have been incredible,” said the winger, who still played for the SA U18s last year.
“As a Junior Bok, it was a privilege to be among the best, and although it was tough, I learned a lot. I walk away with new insights, more confidence and an even greater hunger to grow.
“It was particularly memorable for me to be inspired and motivated by the players I look up to and who are already where I’d like to be. They didn’t only share their knowledge, but also their energy and spirit of unity.
“I’d like to thank everyone who made this experience possible. I am truly grateful for every lesson, every tip, and every piece of encouragement. This is just the beginning.”
LATEST SPRINGBOK SQUAD FOR THE START OF THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP:
Forwards: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Jean-Luc du Preez (Bordeaux Begles), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Lions), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Boan Venter (Edinburgh), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Wiese (Vodacom Bulls).
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), Manie Libbok (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls), Handre Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), Cobus Reinach (Stormers), Edwill van der Merwe (Sharks), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Sharks), Damian Willemse (Stormers).
How excited are you about these young talents?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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