Rugby prodigy beats the odds

Ulrich van der Merwe, fondly known as ‘Ula’ or to some as ‘Baksteen’, is a 17-year-old rugby prodigy.

Supported by not only his fellow teammates and the Alberton community, he is the middle son between four brothers and one sister, who show him all their support.

Despite facing the challenges of several autoimmune disorders, his resilience and passion for rugby have driven him to excel.

Ulrich began playing tag rugby at age five, quickly showing talent.

Both club and school rugby became his focus, thanks to his youth coach Markus van der Westhuizen from Laerskool President Steyn. He noticed his potential and started pushing Ulrich to achieve higher grounds. As such, Ulrich started playing Eastern Gauteng and became a Golden Lions rugby player at a tender age.

His dedication to training and natural talent quickly set him apart. Balancing rigorous medical treatments with intense training sessions, he defied the odds – earning accolades in school and regional tournaments.

Ulrich’s journey is a testament to his unwavering spirit and determination, inspiring many with his triumph over adversity.

Thrives in the face of adversity

Ulrich faces multiple challenges with his health. Due to the autoimmune disorders, he had to receive chemotreatment to suppress the pain and inflammation attacking his body.

In Grade Six, after spending months in the hospital seeking answers on his health concerns, Verwoerdpark’s Ulrich was referred to Dr Gail Faller at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre.

“Working along with medical teams from Wits and sending his blood to the United States, Dr Faller never gave up her search to find out what was wrong with Ulrich. She provided critical treatment, including a year of chemotherapy at age 15 to control his pain,” explained his mother, Naomi-Amanda van der Merwe.

Despite this, the young sportsman excelled at Laerskool President Steyn in athletics, rugby and extramural activities. In Grade Seven, Ulrich became the deputy head boy of Laerskool President Steyn.

“Continuing his secondary years at Helpmekaar Kollege, he thrived under the wing of Dietlov Coetzee and coaches, leading to playing for the Lions, Wildeklawer, and eventually becoming the youngest Craven Week player on the field in 2023, aged 16,” Naomi-Amanda said.

And this year, Ulrich made the Golden Lions team and Craven Week, again followed by the proud announcement of being part of the Junior Springbok U19 squad.

“They will be playing in Cape Town on August 12, 16 and 20. Locals are encouraged to watch these games and follow his journey on Supersport. Ulrich will be joining the Sharks Rugby Academy in 2025,” she explained.

Pay it forward

With the support of his family, Ulrich also co-founded an NPO (Khokha Phambili – Pay It Forward), helping underprivileged children gain access to reach their full potential in rugby.

“His efforts helped 25 boys from George High School, Western Cape, who had no funding for transportation, equipment or rugby kits including boots and full outfits to complete their dream and successfully end up third in their final league,” Naomi-Amanda said.

Through the NPO, he can win hearts and share his love with those in need, a testament to his gentle and caring nature.

Should you wish to sponsor or empower Ulrich in assisting children in need, contact his mother Naomi-Amanda van der Merwe on 072 282 5738 or via email at profmark1@mweb.co.za

Sponsors or donors will also be issued a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) certificate.