LIMPOPO – Sixteen-year-old Franco Landsberg, a rising rugby talent from Hoedspruit, is proving that determination can outweigh size when it comes to chasing your dreams.

The former Drakensig Primary School learner and now at Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen, has already built an impressive list of rugby achievements, having collected multiple trophies during his primary school years in Hoedspruit, and now continuing his success in high school.

Franco’s mother, Cindy Landsberg, says her son may be smaller in stature, but he plays with heart and fearlessness on the field.

“His love for rugby began at Drakensig, where he competed in provincial teams,” she told the Herald. “In his first year at Ben Vorster, he was only a reserve for the u/14 A team, but he captained the u/14B side. By mid-year, he had earned a spot on the u/15A team.”

Franco’s efforts did not go unnoticed.

At the end of that season, he received the prestigious Buffel van die Buffels trophy.

Earlier this year, he was named Best Front Row Player for the u/16A team during a school rugby week.

Now at boarding school, Franco trains daily and travels regularly with the team to participate in tournaments across Gauteng and North West, including venues in Randburg, Pretoria, and Rustenburg.

Despite often being considered too small for the sport, Franco’s tenacity has made him stand out.

“A lot parents call him a Jack Russell, small but fearless,” said Cindy. “He’s never intimidated by bigger players. He tackles whoever comes his way.”

His family believes his strong spirit and dedication will take him far.

“He always says he’ll be a Springbok one day,” Cindy said proudly. “Every boy dreams of it, but he truly believes it, and we do too. He doesn’t give up, and we know he’s going to make it.”