Police officers shine on rugby field

Sergeant Patrick Divan Sharneck and Constable Shane Vos from the Boksburg North Police Station do not only run after criminals, but they run on the rugby field too.

The Advertiser caught up with the cops, who represent the Gauteng police, to find out more about their rugby careers.

When did you start playing rugby?
P: I have played rugby since the age of nine.
S: I only started playing rugby when I went to high school, aged 14.

What inspired you to put on the rugby boots?
P: My PT teacher planted the seed. Since I was the fastest in my age group, he invited me to rugby practice one day. Since that day, I was in love with the sport.
S: I was a very active youngster and played every sport but decided after school to focus on rugby

How did your rugby career evolve, and what are your biggest achievements?
P: I was chosen for the U13 Craven Week team to represent PE in the Elephant team. I was also chosen for the U18 Border team in my last year of high school. I also received a player of the day award for four games played at the National Rugby Police Week in Welkom in 2016.
S: In high school, I was privileged to be part of the team that toured Cape Town and Namibia. Since starting to play for the SAPS, I’ve been to nationals and tours with the SAPS.

How does it feel to represent your province?
P: It is a great honour to be part of the Gauteng provincial team and to know that when I put that jersey over my head, I am not playing for myself but for Gauteng.
S: It’s a great honour to represent my province, Gauteng, and bring a good name to our province and the police.

Which position do you play?
P: I play center, 12 and 13.
S: I am a utility player, but I have been drawn to scrum half (9) because I enjoy creating opportunities rather than being in the limelight.

What about the game of rugby drives you?
P: To play with teammates who believe in themselves, and a team that shows heart and courage on the field.
S: The love of the game. The belief in the player next to you. Knowing that if you make a mistake, your teammates will be there to pick you up and improve your game.

How do you balance rugby with the demanding job of a police officer?
P: I would say rugby is the balance because it gives me the time to get out of my work boots and relax.
S: The fitness and team building of rugby helps to make decisions on the field when wearing a uniform.

Who is your favourite rugby player?
P: Cornal Hendricks.
S: Francois Hougaard.

What do you want to accomplish in rugby?
P: To help all the underdeveloped children to grow in this sport and bring more young people into the great game.
S: To get more people of all ages involved in the sport, but I would also like to take my rugby career higher, maybe one day to play in the Currie Cup or Super Rugby. Sport has the power to bring the nation together. Playing sports also uplifts and portrays a positive image of the SAPS.

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