Rugby Captains. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Jaejuan Ogle. Jaejuan is the captain of the Curro Aurora 1st rugby team. Jaejuan today scores try number 21 in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
“I started playing rugby at the age of 5 years. I played for the Rugga Kids. The reason I like rugby, is because everyone in my family played rugby and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
The first time I played a rugby game, I was scared but eventually, I got over it. What I remember about my first game of rugby, is that I scored my first try on my first game.
The first time I was elected for Captain, was in Grade 7. When I jogged onto the field as rugby captain for the first time, I felt honoured. I also wanted to lead my team to victory and that’s exactly what I did.
Advice to beginners
My advice to beginners is to not be scared and play with everything in you. Leave everything on the field.
The position I currently play is fly half in 7s and outside centre in 15s. I used to play wing but I’m happier at outside centre and fly half because I feel more involved and get more hold of the ball.
The way I keep my team motivated during games, is by telling them to keep their heads up because we’re only going to do the right thing if we stay focused. I would say that a good rugby player should have the ability to make good decisions when making plays. Also being strong physically. Good passing is an important factor as well. My key to success on the rugby field is to apply everything that we’ve done at practice. The reason for doing that, is because we have such a good coach.
What inspires me every time I jog onto the rugby field for a match, is because I know that I’ll be one step closer to reaching my goal of being a professional rugby player.
My best game of my career? Well, every game I’ve played this year was my best game because the team is focused and motivated. Furthermore, everyone trusts the person next to them to do the right thing. Also, because we’ve been winning by far. A game I do not want to remember, is last year’s finals. We lost by one point, our captain got injured and also the referee has been unfair. In my opinion we should’ve won that game.
Best rugby decisions
Rugby decisions I’ve made which I think were good, was when I decided to go to club rugby as it improved my skills as a player.
After a tough game, I will seek advice from my father, but also knowing that losing one game is not the end of the world. You shouldn’t dwell on the defeat for too long.
My greatest rugby heroes are Bryan Habana and Cheslin Kolbe. I’ve based my game around these two players, and they are the reason I love the game because they are so exciting to watch.
My personal rugby goals for this year is making the Lions team as well as the lynx team again. I’d also like to win the league this year. Yes, I’m going to continue playing club rugby and play varsity cup rugby as well.
I handle my responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities by believing that in life you should have balance. So, as long as you have balance, you will be okay.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far was making the Central West Rugby team and also playing for lynx rugby last year.
Other sports before and after the rugby season? I do sprints when I’m not playing rugby.
The professional rugby players I would like to have coffee with is Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse.
Describe myself in one word? King.“
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