Liezl proves to be an instant hit on the rugby field
The youngster would like to emulate her favourite player Libbie Jansen van Rensburg.
Brakpan’s Liezl O’Neill might have only started playing rugby in 2019, but she has shown potential in a short period. The 20-year-old is part of the newly-formed Gauteng Women’s Rugby Institute.
She was impressed when her teacher at Muriel Brand School, Lucy Aucamp, asked her to join a girls’ team at Brakpan Rugby Club.
She was then selected to play at the Zimbali Women’s Festival and then represented the Valke’s u-18 team two years ago.
“I have always been passionate about rugby. My brother played for Brakpan. Lucy Aucamp saw me kicking the ball on the playground. I enjoyed kicking. Whether it’s a rugby or soccer ball, I just liked kicking,” said O’Neill.
The young player has a lot of appreciation for Aucamp bringing her to the game.
“She provided the gateway to rugby for me. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here. She’s my role model,” said the young player.
O’Neill looks up to her former teacher so much that she is inspired to also help youngsters get into the sport she loves.
Opedag bied pret vir die hele gesin
“Everyone tells me I must keep on playing and I will. But my dream is to run clinics to help introduce girls to rugby. I want to let them know that they can play the sport and it’s not just a man’s sport but women can also play,” she said.
“I want to make a difference. I want to see more women in the sport. I want them to know that nothing is impossible. If you dream it, you can achieve it.”
O’Neill has already started working towards this goal as she has been vying for coaching qualifications.
“I have some coaching and refereeing qualifications,” she said.
Despite all this, the youngster still wants to have a good playing career.
“I do want to be part of the Springboks one day,” she added.
The youngster would like to emulate her favourite player Libbie Jansen van Rensburg who has recently been called up to represent the country.
Unfortunately for O’Neill her playing dreams have been on hold this year as she has been recovering from a back injury, which has kept her on the sidelines.
She is hoping to be back in action for the Valke in 2022.
