Laerskool Generaal Alberts Grade Seven learner and RJ Rugby Specifics trainee Cruz White (13) recently captained the Lions U13B team at the prestigious SA Rugby Craven Week tournament in Bloemfontein before earning another leadership role as captain of the Southern Barbarians U13 Rhino Week team.

Rhino Week is taking place at Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark. Cruz departed on July 14 for the tournament, which continues until Saturday.

For Cruz, being named captain at Craven Week was an unforgettable moment. “It feels great. I feel amazing to play for my team and to be captain of the U13s,” he said. “I was so happy. I wasn’t sure that I was going to become captain.”

One of the biggest lessons he took from Craven Week was the importance of teamwork.

“I learned to play as a team and not to play individually,” he said.

While the rugby was the main focus, some of his favourite memories were made off the field.

“My favourite moment was sleeping in the dorms and having fun with my friends,” he said.

White, who plays at flank and eighth man, enjoys the physical nature of the game.

“I like playing seven because I can get to the flyhalf quickly and make the tackle. At eight, I enjoy picking up the ball and running.”

Preparation for Craven Week has required extra commitment.

“I’ve been training every day. I haven’t had a break,” he said.

The young sportsman hopes to become a professional rugby player one day and has already set his sights on another milestone.

“My goal after the Rhino Week is to make the Lions Sevens team.”

Balancing schoolwork and rugby requires discipline. “If I play for an hour, I have to study for an hour,” he said.

His advice to other aspiring rugby players is simple. “Never give up and keep training your hardest.”
Away from the rugby field, Cruz enjoys spending time at the dam with friends and playing PlayStation.
His mother, Noeleen White, said Cruz’s love for rugby began at a very young age.

“Most children go to sleep with teddy bears. Cruz went to sleep with rugby balls,” she said, laughing.

She explained that his passion for the sport grew from watching rugby with his father and uncle, and that he started playing at the age of five.

“It’s not just a game for him. It’s his lifestyle.”

Noeleen said Cruz’s leadership qualities have always stood out.

“He genuinely loves the sport. He encourages his teammates and they become brothers on and off the field.

“His humility is one of his greatest strengths. He picks his teammates up. He doesn’t walk around with the captain title. His actions speak louder than words. He treats people with respect and stays humble.”
The road to success has not been without setbacks.

Noeleen revealed that Cruz narrowly missed out on selection for Craven Week last year, but the experience motivated him to work even harder.

“We encouraged him not to give up on his dream. He had to work 10 times harder to get where he wanted to be.”

She encouraged parents to support their children’s sporting ambitions while also prioritising their education.

“They need a healthy balance between academics and sport. Be there for them, encourage them and remind them that setbacks don’t define them.”

Noeleen thanked everyone who has played a role in Cruz’s journey, including his family, younger sister, godparents, extended family, the coaches at Laerskool Generaal Alberts, RJ Specifics, the school’s principal, teachers and the wider school community.

Cruz’s achievements this year extend well beyond Craven Week.

In addition to captaining the Lions U13B Craven Week team and the Southern Barbarians U13 Rhino Week team, he has been selected for the Southern Barbarians U13 Rhino Week Sevens squad and the Easterns U13A Touch Rugby team.

He also represented Ekurhuleni at the Gauteng Championships in javelin, plays first-team rugby and cricket for Laerskool Generaal Alberts and serves as a proud school prefect.

With his work ethic, leadership and passion for sport, Cruz is determined to continue building on an already remarkable year as he pursues his dream of representing the Lions Sevens and, ultimately, becoming a professional rugby player.