Beast of Ballito ready to mix it up for the Dolphins next year
"I just loved getting stuck in as a kid. Most people hate being in the forward pack, but I think it's the best place to be on the field," says Nick Joughin.
Jack-of-all-trades in the Ballito Dolphins engine room, Nick Joughin (28) cannot wait to get back on the rugby field and outmuscle opponents in the scrums.
Nick is a relatively new addition to the Dolphins team.
Touching down on local shores just days before the first Covid-19 lockdown in March last year obviously limited his playing opportunities.
But he has brought an upbeat attitude, relishing the physicality of the game and has the ability to play anywhere across the tight-5.
Photo: Kezia Vorster.
Born in Botswana, Nick grew up in Johannesburg and has had a lifelong affinity for rugby.
“I just loved getting stuck in as a kid. Most people hate being in the forward pack, but I think it’s the best place to be on the field,” he says.
After finishing school, Nick went on to play briefly for the University of Pretoria and the Blue Bulls Academy, before leaving to play for Notre Dame in Cleveland, USA.
“I was offered the opportunity of playing in the States and it felt like a no-brainer. Getting to play rugby while travelling around the country was an amazing experience.”
Photo: Kezia Vorster.
The highlight of Nick’s collegiate rugby career was being a member of the team that won the Division IAA National Championship in 2017.
That is the highest level of collegiate rugby in the USA.
During his time at Notre Dame, he earned 2 degrees and worked in police intelligence and management consulting.
After 7 years in the USA, Nick decided to return home to South Africa.
Photo: Kezia Vorster.
“I never went there with the intention of obtaining a green card. South Africa will always be my home and I am really glad to be back. I am new to the North Coast but I can already see why everyone loves it here.”
The Dolphins are certainly pleased to add a versatile and experienced player to their team sheet.
The summer break has just began for the team, but Nick and his teammates intend to work hard in the off-season to hit training in February in peak shape.
“It is a really nice bunch of guys here and I think we have assembled some strong talent. Watch this space, I think we will be a much more competitive unit next year.”
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