From St Andrew’s College:
Matt More has represented the St Andrew’s College 1st XV on 43 occasions. In this time he has scored a staggering 45 tries including the all-time record of 29 tries in a season in 2017. He also kicked for goal when required and has managed to accumulate a total of 326 points over the course of his time playing for College.
Matt More started playing rugby for St Andrew’s College in 2012 while still a student at St Andrew’s Prep. He was selected for the U14A team and has not looked back. As a junior rugby player he struggled to find a position and moved between fly half, centre and scrumhalf.
After a successful U16 year Matt was selected to the 1st XV in 2015 and had some impressive performances. Unfortunately his season was curtailed by a series of injuries. It was however a success from the point of view that Matt had found his position at outside centre. From the outset of 2016 it was clear that he was at home playing rugby at this level as he produced his first of many game changing performances vs Pretoria Boys at the St Stithians festival announcing himself with what would become a trademark one handed offload. He made the 13 jersey his own and it was clear that Matt was destined for greater things in rugby. His performances led to his selection for the EP Country Districts Team to Craven Week where he performed well for his province. He was also rewarded with Rugby Colours through his performances for St Andrew’s College.
From the outset 2017 was going to be an important season for Matt and for College. As an experienced player he stepped up to the plate and led by example through his quiet words and actions. He led the team on 3 occasions as their captain and set an example which others wanted to follow. However it was as a player that he would have the greatest impact. Matt possesses the unique ability to change the outcome of a match through his ability to read and play the game. Whether it be through his natural carrying ability, his improved defence or his outstanding ability at breakdown. He became a match winner, a true inspiration on the field both in attack and defence. Unfortunately he was not eligible to play for Eastern Province at Craven Week this year but he was identified by SA Rugby as one of the leading schoolboy talents in the country. This was further backed up by a number of professional teams like the Bulls, Western Province and even Munster that have tried to secure his services for next year. He has also been approached in 2016 and 2017 to represent the Eastern Province U19 Currie Cup team but unfortunately was not able to due to other commitments.
It is clear that Matt is an outstanding rugby player. He has a unique gift and in his quiet unassuming way he has gone about his business of playing rugby without seeking accolades or praise for himself. He has been a great team man this year and is the rock upon which the 1st XV built a successful season in 2017. He has unrivalled ability on the rugby field and his coaches have described him as “one of the most gifted rugby players that they has ever coached and a delight to watch”. I have no doubt that if Matt was eligible this year he would have been in line to be selected for higher honours.
Matt’s performances on the field this year speak for themselves as he has delighted all that have had the privilege to watch him play on Lower this year and he has proven that he deserves to be considered among the top rugby players in the country. He is a most deserving recipient of a Honours Award for Rugby.
@BoishaaiPa: I’m not sure if it’s been decided yet, but I’ll ask my son when I see him in Ireland this weekend.
@Hooit: Saw him play last year and thought he was the real deal then already..good choice for a draft pick!
@BoishaaiPa: Read somewhere he is going to Munster. But unconfirmed
Anyone know where he is going to in 2018?
Excellent! Great individual and team effort this season.
@Playa: Thanks Playa.
An absolute wonder to watch. I have thoroughly enjoyed his style over the years. Has all the makings of great center prospect for the future. May he not be lost to SA rugby.
@Vleis: I hope he heads overseas for his first stint at pro rugby. He reminded me of a young Jan Serfontein when he played for Grey – skill, size and ability to play the situation. If he can hone that and avoid it being coached out of him in our system, the he’ll be a better player for it when he returns. All the best to him and your son.
My son is mates with Matt More – would be nice if they could play in the same team next year in Munster.
@beet – Fantastic story. It is always good to hear about special talent.