Laerskool President Steyn rugby star selected for Rhino SA team to tour Italy

Johan Rossel, a Grade Seven learner at Laerskool President Steyn, has been selected for the Rhino SA Invitational Team that will tour Italy in December.

His passion for rugby began with casual games with friends at school, and everything changed after a teacher spotted his raw talent.

After making the school’s first team at his very first trial, Johan quickly built a reputation as a committed and dynamic player.

In July, he took part in Rhino Week at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), representing the Southern Barbarians. Out of the 276 U13 players from 12 teams, Johan was selected for the elite Rhino SA Invitational Team.

The squad will now prepare for an international tour of Italy in December, where they will compete in a series of youth fixtures showcasing the rugby talent South Africa has to offer.

Proud mother speaks about the journey

Johan’s mother, Maralize Rossel, says the moment his name was announced was unforgettable.

“Hearing his name being called out felt surreal. We were overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. Knowing the consistency and hard work he has to put in, it felt like all the effort had paid off.”

She described his rapid development as inspiring.

“Just a year ago, rugby was not part of his life, and now he is wearing the Rhino SA badge. As a baby, his room was rugby-themed because we love the sport, but it was always his choice. To see him fall in love with the game and reach this level so quickly is beyond what we ever imagined.”

Balancing school, training and dreams

Johan balances academics and sport with discipline and structure, supported by his family, school and coaches.

“Routine and planning are important. Johan is well balanced, but it definitely takes a village. His coaches, school and family all help him manage school, rugby and downtime,” said Rossel.

Training has become more intense as the tour approaches. Johan follows a fitness programme from the Rhino SA coaches and also trains every Friday at Rugga School.

He represents the Southern Barbarians under coaches Boetie Smith and Kobus Swart, and plays for Union Rugby Club under coaches Riaan van Wyk, Christo van Eeden and Jonathan Marè from Rhino SA.

At President Steyn, he is coached by Hilké Kleynhans and Ruaan Jooste, who helped shape his skills and confidence in the school’s first team.

“Talent may open doors, but character keeps them open. We try to instil hard work, humility and gratitude. He knows success is built step by step,” said Rossel.

Teacher’s pride

President Steyn teacher André recalled how far Johan has come in just one season.

“Johan played last year for me in the fourth team. He worked himself into the first team this year. He is so dedicated to being the best. What a privilege to be part of his career. The school and community will help him to spread his wings and fly. Go and enjoy, Johan. Learn and come back stronger. You make us proud. Steynetrots.”

Adding to this, Principal Yolande Fourie shared, “It is wonderful to showcase such a great sportsman. The entire school is super proud of him. It proves that our dedicated teachers believe in each pupil’s potential. Johan, we know what you are capable of and believe you will represent South Africa with pride. Make us proud and also make yourself proud.”

Looking ahead

For Johan and his family, the focus is on preparing for Italy and continuing to grow.

“It has brought us closer as a family. We are working together to make this dream a reality. “We just want him to enjoy the game, stay focused and chase his dreams,” said Rossel.

The spirit behind Rhino Week

Rhino Week is more than just a rugby tournament. It is a movement built on inclusion and opportunity.

Martin van Wyngaardt, one of the event organisers, shared the legacy behind the initiative.

“Rhino Week started in 2015 with just six teams. Ten years later, we have 3 000 players across three weeks of sport, from rugby to netball to hockey,” he explained.

“We don’t care what colour, culture or background you come from. Sport belongs to the youth. That’s what this tournament is about.”

The inspiration came from the real-life story of a boy named Webster Swanepoel, a talented player who faced racial exclusion despite being raised in a white Afrikaans home.

Rhino Week was founded by Dries van Heerden to ensure no child would ever be excluded from sport again.

Tragically, Webster passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on in every match played at Rhino Week.

“We have the blessings of SA Rugby and support from Gauteng Sport,” said Martin. “We encourage every region to get their youth involved and give them a platform to shine.”