Rugby Captains. In our series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Hendré Beyer. Hendré is the captain of Curro Roodeplaat, Pretoria, 1st rugby team. Today Hendré scores our sixth try in this rugby captains series for high schools in South Africa.
“I started playing rugby at the age of 7. I have played rugby for a long time and over the years built a passion for the sport and being a team player.
Currently I play number 9 (scrumhalf) and in the past I have played other back-line positions.
The first time I was appointed rugby captain, was in grade 9, age 15.
The qualities that make a good rugby player, is passion, never giving up, not being afraid to make the hard hits and giving it your all. You should also never feel you don’t have anything to learn, because there is always something to learn. You also have to be a good team player.
As a team, we have three training sessions per week. I usually come early to work on what I need to improve.
Individual highlight
My individual highlight playing rugby for myself, is seeing myself grow and become a better player and person through the game of rugby.
As rugby captain, my most stressful game to date has to be my last game we needed to win to go to the semi-finals. My most exciting game to date was a game where the team we played against was very similar to our level. The score remained very similar till the last second.
Decisions I made that are effective, is making it my duty to be an example and a voice for my team mates.
My current goal is to keep working on myself in each part of my life so that I can be the best version of me.
Ranking my current top 5 priorities in life: God, family and friends, my well being, academics and my future.
Yes, I do have a role model. It is my coach, Mr Divan Prinsloo. I am looking up to him because of his passion for the sport and also for the person he is.
Worst rugby performance
My worst rugby performance was playing a position I was not used to and thus making mistakes. I learned that sometimes you have to take your situation and make the best of it.
As rugby captain I motivate my team with a good motivating speech, which can go a long way. Alternatively, in my opinion, the best way is to lead by example. Show them I am giving it my all in hopes they follow.
What I’ve learned about teamwork from past experiences on teams, as well as rugby captain, is that good communication is key. Furthermore, listening to each other to be the best everyone can be.
My advice for new rugby players is to enjoy it. By building passion for the game, you can become the player you want to be.
When I see a teammate struggling with learning a new move, position or play I help them in anyway I think I can so that they and the team can succeed.
My coach and fellow teammates describe me as dedicated and motivated to do well and support my team mates.
Best advice
The best advice I received from my coaches is that every time you do something, do it to the fullest of your ability. That is why my team achieved the things it did successfully by teamwork, team spirit and having the right mindset.
Should I decide on continuing rugby after school, it would only be for the fun of the game.
I will develop my performance moving forward by practice makes perfect. Switching it up and finding new ways to improve is always good.
I think the greatest challenge faced by today’s sport participants, is to find the correct balance between sport and academics. I manage my rugby responsibilities and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities by planning ahead.
What excites me most in life, is spending time with family and friends. Also seeing how we grow in life. My single greatest highlight the past five years is my conformation of faith.
The professional rugby player I would like to have coffee with, is Fourie du Preez. He was a legend in rugby and playing scrumhalf. I would like to know how it was playing rugby for him and what he did to become the player he was.
Describing myself in one word, Dedicated.”
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