Rugby Captains. In our popular series about sports captains, Schools That Rock today talks to Liam Petersen. Liam is the rugby captain of Curro Mossel Bay’s 1st rugby team. Liam today scores try number 20 in our series this year on Rugby Captains from high schools in South Africa and Namibia.
“I started playing when I was eight years old. The reason I love rugby, is because I come from a family with a lot of rugby players. When I played my first rugby game, I was nervous but also excited at the same time. What I can remember about my first game of rugby is scoring my first try and crying because I got hurt!
When I first jogged onto the rugby field as captain I felt really happy and confident. The first time I was elected as rugby captain, was in Grade 7.
My advice to beginners is that you’ll get hurt when you’re scared.
The position I am currently playing is flyhalf. Yes, I am happy with my current position.
Motivation
I keep my team motivated during games by telling them to keep their head up and the score is still 0-0. The abilities/qualities I think a good rugby player should possess, is confidence, patience, and good stamina. My key to success on the rugby field is by staying calm and doing everything at my own pace.
What inspires me every time I run onto the rugby field for a match, are my coaches.
The game I had the most fun, was the York game. We were considered the underdogs but we dominated them. My worst game was our game against Grens High School from East London. The reason, because it was our first game as a team.
Rugby decisions I made that I consider as good, is to be always fully committed to a tackle. When I had a tough game, I will seek advice from my dad.
My greatest rugby hero is Damian Willemse. He started playing rugby at school and now he’s a SA Rugby Springbok.
My personal rugby goal I would like to achieve this year, is to have a great season with my team.
I handle my responsibilities at rugby alongside social and academic responsibilities by having time for everything.
My biggest single highlight of my rugby career so far was the try I scored against Oakdale in the first five minutes of the game.
Other sports I participate in, is hockey.
The professional rugby player I would like to have coffee with, is Damian Willemse.
I would describe myself in one word as a goat“
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