Valke scrum-half Luciano Elias celebrates 50th cap milestone

Through hard work, dedication and a passion for rugby, Valke scrum-half Luciano Elias reached a major milestone when he earned his 50th cap for the team on July 11.

Elias achieved the milestone in the Valke’s Currie Cup First Division match against the Griffons at Barnard Stadium, marking another proud moment in his rugby journey.

Since joining the Valke in 2022, Elias has continued to grow as a player and remained committed to reaching this achievement. He celebrated the occasion with one of his strongest performances in the Valke jersey.

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One of his most memorable moments with the team came in 2023 when the Valke won the Mzansi Challenge Cup on home soil.

“Personally, it’s a massive privilege to reach this milestone, and I thank the Lord for His grace. Professionally, it’s a tick off the bucket list,” said Elias.

Born and raised in Roodewal, Worcester in the Western Cape, Elias grew up in a close-knit community where rugby was part of everyday life.

He was inspired by watching his uncles play at Esslen Park Stadium and would later recreate those moments with friends in the streets, pretending to be players such as Brian Habana.

His love for rugby developed from a young age and eventually led him to represent Boland at various youth levels, including the U16 Grant Khomo Week in 2016, U18 Academy Week in 2017 and U18 Craven Week in 2018.

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After finishing school, Elias joined Maties and secured a junior contract with Western Province in 2019.

During that year, he won the Maties Young Guns competition and the senior Varsity Cup, while also reaching the U19 Currie Cup final against the Bulls.

He joined the Valke in 2022 and made his first appearance for the team against Boland in Piketberg.

“It’s been a journey. In my first year with Valke, we didn’t even make the First Division playoffs. After that, I can tell you it’s been a positive five years with the Valke.

“Valke played in four finals during those years and won one of them. We also beat the Cheetahs this year in the SA Cup. From my perspective, it has been a good year for Valke rugby,” he said.

Elias believes consistency comes from showing up every day and giving his best.

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“If it’s 70%, you’ll get that 70%. You have to always give your best,” he said.

One of his biggest challenges has been being away from home. Moving from Worcester to Gauteng required a major adjustment, especially as someone who values family.

Not being able to see his loved ones regularly has been difficult, but Elias stays connected through video calls and makes visits whenever possible.

The 50-cap milestone was made even more special by the team’s victory over the Griffons, which secured their place in the semi-finals.

“It was amazing getting the win on the day that gave us a semi-final spot on my special day. It was unbelievable. We still have the goal of winning the Currie Cup First Division final. We are off to PE to play the semi-finals,” said Elias.

His message to young players hoping to reach the professional level is to remain committed and put in the work.

“Rugby is always evolving, so if you really want to make it, stop complaining and get the work done. Always be at your best because you never know when the opportunity will present itself,” he said.