Ballito Dolphins player, Leon van der Bank pulls strength from childhood trauma

Ballito Dolphins player, Leon van der Bank said moving from his home town, Brits in North West, to Ballito was the start of his passion for the sport.

“That’s when I started playing for the Dolphins. I played a little here and there before but never took it as seriously as when I started for the Dolphins,” said Bank.

Over the past 13 years he has played 216 games with the club.

Growing up a quiet child, he was often bullied at school.

“When we moved to Ballito I decided to change my life around and become a little tougher. Rugby has had a great impact on my life. But I must say you won’t really get over being bullied. It’s something that sticks with you for the rest of your life.”

When he was convinced by a friend to start playing rugby was when he found friends and planted the seed for a love of the sport.

“The most exciting thing playing for Dolphins is to see how underprivileged and privileged people can meet each other halfway and no one looks down on anyone. It is such a family orientated club. You feel at home when around all your teammates. In rugby this is the number 1 rule for me how you as players gel together.”

The 29-year-old said the highlight was when they won the league in 2013, beating Amanzimtoti at home, and receiving his long service award.

“My time is sort of over to do something serious with my rugby long term, but I am most certainly going to give back by becoming a coach or similar when I stop playing.”

He has been a loose forward and lock for majority of his Dolphins career.

“I much prefer open side flanker, because that is one of the most hard-working positions on the field.”

Leon is extremely grateful for the time and effort his coaches spent on him and his teammates over the years.

“A special thanks to Coach Craig Dawson, he has taught me many valuable life lessons and most certainly we are going to make the community proud this season.”