Alberton’s Ulrich van der Merwe touring Europe with SA Rugby Under-19 squad
Ulrich van der Merwe, fondly known as ‘Ula’ or to some as ‘Baksteen’ overcame a series of health challenges before making it to the SA Rugby u19 Academy squad.
Alberton’s Ulrich van der Merwe is part of the SA Rugby U19 Academy squad that was selected to represent the country on a European tour.
A native of Verwoerdpark, Van der Merwe landed a spot in the squad after personal trials and tribulations.
Baksteen, as he is known, overcame several autoimmune disorders, an occurrence of more than one autoimmune disease in a single person.
This is also known as polyautoimmunity, and if three or more are present, multiple autoimmune syndrome (MAS).
Van der Merwe has always been a rugby enthusiast.
At five years old, he excelled in tag rugby, displaying a knack for the sport. With the help of family, friends, and coaches at both club and school rugby, his talent was nurtured to even greater heights.
At Laerskool President Steyn, coach Markus van der Westhuizen guided Van der Merwe, who ended up doing wonders as a Golden Lions rugby player at a tender age.
His selection for the SA Rugby U19 Academy should be no surprise to anybody. Asked how she feels about her son’s call-up, Van der Merwe’s mother, Naomi-Amanda, said: “My heart is overflowing with pride and gratitude as we celebrate Ulrich’s call-up to the South African Rugby U19 squad.”
“This achievement goes far beyond talent and hard work; it is a reflection of the young man he has become. Our family has been blessed to witness his journey.
The late nights, early mornings, sacrifices, and moments when the path was difficult. Ulrich has always carried a heart that cares deeply for others. Congratulations to our ‘Baksteen’, we are all incredibly proud of you,” added Van der Merwe’s mother.
The SA Rugby U19 Academy squad departed South Africa for France on October 29, after a week-long training camp in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
The SA U19 squad will face fierce international competition, starting with an opposed training session against a French U19 Invitational XV on November 3, followed by a match against the French U19s on November 8.
The tour concludes with a clash against Ireland U19 on November 14. The squad is expected to touch down on home soil on November 16.
