Rugby Captains. In our series on sport captains, Schools That Rock talks to Tristian Dutton. Tristian is the captain of Curro Salt Rock Primary School, Ballito, Durban, 1st rugby team. Today Tristian scores our third try in this rugby captains series for schools in South Africa.
“I started playing rugby in Grade 1. I had already got a few tries and tackles in against Gert Maritz School in Pietermaritzburg. At the age of two I fell in love with rugby. It was also the same time I saw Sharkie.
Rugby makes me feel excited and happy and I feel it in my element. It also gives me a sense of belonging to the rugby family. I’ve got such a deep passion for it, passion for the game and everything it stands for.
I’m playing number 12 currently, but I can also play Number 11 (Wing).
I was appointed as Vice-Captain of my school in January 2022. Later on, I was appointed as Rugby Captain in May. I’ve also just started at Curro Salt Rock School this year. The qualities for a good rugby player, I will say, fitness attributes such as speed, fitness, mobility and flexibility coordination, power, and strength. My Gymnastics I’ve done for years also help me a lot.
Our training sessions are three times a week for rugby, but I also do soccer and just got my KZN colours for soccer as well. Yes, I also do sometimes go to the gym with my mom, or I will go to the sports fields on weekends and practice my kicking.
Individual highlight
My individual highlight playing rugby for myself, I have to say bouncing people, scoring tries, and celebrating it with my teammates afterward.
I have to be honest and say I’m always stressed before all my games. But as soon as I step on the field and it’s time to play, I just love every moment of it. My most exciting games are the games we, as a team, won. As rugby captain, I always try my best to beat the number of tries that I’ve set targets for each game.
A decision I made that was effective, was when we did the snake formation. I ran the opposite way to confuse the other players.
Yes, most definitely I have a goal I would like to accomplish soon. I would love to be recognized and seen by bigger opportunities.
My five top priorities in life will be: Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Enjoyment, Discipline and Respect.
Yes, I do have to say all my coaches are amazing. But my role model will be Cheslin Kolbe. He is an excellent rugby player and he can read the game so well. He also scores excellent tries.
Worst rugby performance
My worst rugby performance was when we played against a school once. I sort of judged them by their looks and already thought they are better than us. I did lose a bit of confidence in myself and didn’t play my best. What I learned from this experience is to never judge a book by its cover.
As rugby captain, I motivate my team by giving them positive feedback and I reward my team. Help to build a better team, good work on the field.
What I have learned about teamwork from my past experiences on teams, as well as captain, is good communication and management on the field. Also communication between all the players and even the coaches.
Suggestions I made that helped my team succeed, is my belief in fitness as well as working hard and supporting each other.
Advice
My advice to new rugby players is to practice your skills. Passing, tackling, catching, kicking, and teamwork.
When I see a teammate struggling with learning a new move, position or play, I keep inspiring, motivating, and supporting him. Also help him strengthen his self-confidence. You can always transfer him to a position that fits within his capabilities as well.
My coach and fellow teammates describe me as follows: Tristian is a phenomenal player and captain. He always put his team first and at heart. Tristian leads by example and inspires those around him. He has a positive attitude toward the game and his teammates and also has a positive relationship with his coach. He works hard and stepped forward when his team needed him.
The best advice I have received from my coaches is that I have to relax, calm down and just enjoy the game.
I think my team achieved the things they did successfully, because you can’t win alone, make it fun, celebrate the good times together, and support each other!
Yes, I plan on continuing rugby after school. I would love to play professional rugby for the Sharks and Springboks.
Develop performance
I will develop my performance moving forward by focusing on my sports, increase my proteins, cardio, and training. Rest is very important, muscle growth, warm-up’s and downs. Practice harder and do my best. Make yourself proud.
I believe the greatest challenge faced by today’s sport participants are Injuries and natural weaknesses.
I manage my rugby responsibilities and other recreational and non-recreational (academic) activities by finding a balance. It’s always important to find balance. Improve physical well-being, and emotional health and still have fun with friends and family.
What excites me most in life, I will have to say my sport. It’s the passion for the games.
My single greatest highlight the past five years, was getting my KZN Colours for Gymnastics for 4 years in a row and Getting my KZNIPSSA colors for my soccer this year.
The professional rugby player I would like to have coffee with, is Faf de Klerk. I would like to see if I’m taller than him.🤭and play with his hair.
Describe myself in one word? Passionate.“
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