On average, locks command the top pay in pro rugby so it almost seems criminal to have some that are multi-talented.
Last year SA Schools/u18 lock Jaco Grobbelaar who was a talisman during Fichardtpark’s very successful season, also earned eight distinctions in matric. Jaco has recently represented the Baby Boks in the World Rugby u20 Championship in his first of two years of eligibility.
This year Affies stalwart JD Hattingh has been a rock for the Witbulle impressive pack, particularly in the lineouts. His form has earned him a South Africa u18 international call-up for matches against the England, France and Ireland teams.
After completing his final match for Affies against Pretoria Boys’ High on Saturday, JD flew to Cape Town to join Affies teammates of a different kind, the Rooidasse choir in the ATKV national final, where they obtained a gold.
@Smallies (Comment #1)
En mens kan dit nie koop nie….
That is some serious commitment and time management. Some of these choirs’ practise hours put many rugby teams to shame. Hats off to the young man. And yes, I have also heard that a rooi das is held in very high regard at Affies.
The Affies Rooidasse enjoy more prestige at Affies than the Wit Bulle therefore, even after a tough match, the men will fly for a few hours to participate in the ATKV competition.
What makes his rugby career remarkable is that he only managed to make the A-team in Grade 10 after playing Under 14F and Under 15B.
Rugby without culture us just rugby ,but rugby with culture is cultured rugby ….well done young man, I remember Toks Van Der Linde singing in the UOFS choir in 1991 he also sang the anthem once for the Springboks