‘Rugby keeps me out of trouble’ – Pieter de Beer

Pieter de Beer strives to be the best in what he does, and that is playing stellar rugby.

Formerly from Ladysmith, Pieter and his family relocated to Newcastle in 2007, where he decided to join the Newcastle Boschpick Highlanders team.

“I only started playing rugby when I was in Grade 7. I knew it would give me something to do, and keep me out of trouble,” he said.

Pieter said he was lucky to have chosen to delve into rugby as he had seen many young people succumb to alcohol and drugs, and he thought by playing sports, he escaped that path very early in life.

He completed his last school year in Tugela High, where he continued to pursue his passion for rugby. He not only played for his school’s first team, but was also selected to participate in the Craven Week tournament in Cape Town.

Pieter explained his love for sport kept him motivated; it made him work hard and taught him strong life values. He also said the team’s manager and head coach were the reason behind his respect and discipline in life and in sport.

“They keep the team motivated, and they keep us together. Whenever we feel like throwing in the towel and giving up, they are always there to show us a thousand reasons not to quit.”

Pieter has two younger brothers and an older sister, but he is the only sibling who developed a passion for sport.

“I don’t come from a sport background, so I was the only one who ventured down the path of playing sport in school.”
Pieter’s dedication to rugby takes up most of his free time, making it challenging to balance rugby and his personal life.

“It is difficult to be in a relationship. Not all girls enjoy spending their weekends next to a rugby field.”

His hero in the rugby world is the legendary Percy Montgomery. On the local front, Highlanders captain, Errit Visser is his inspiration.

“He is always willing to give me advice when I need it, and he inspires me to do great in my sport.”

Pieter regards himself as a down to earth guy, who takes his sport very seriously. Not having any other responsibilities apart from work, he can focus on rugby. He said his dream was to be scouted by his favourite professional team, the Cell C Sharks, and hopefully one day play with the big boys.

However, he will always be proud of his hometown’s team.

On the field, Pieter is versatile; able to play any position. When he is not playing rugby, he can be found in a workshop, doing his apprenticeship in diesel mechanics. In his free time, he enjoys spending his days at the dam with close friends. He also works out at the gym as much as possible.

This year, he said, Highlanders decided to embark on an out-of-season training programme in preparation for next year’s rugby season.

Pieter said since taking up rugby, he had become a stronger person, both mentally and physically. It made him work hard, and taught him to be a part of a team. He said being on the field was not only about one person, but the whole team.

“We are not just a rugby team; we are brothers, which means we always look out for one another on the field and off.”

Pieter encouraged the youth to take up rugby only if they were motivated, dedicated and had a passion for the sport. He said one had to be a team player, and not be afraid of getting injured.

“Rugby is not just a sport. You must learn the rules, and when you are on that field, you should give it your all or else you will always regret it. Have a passion for the game, make sure your heart and mind is in the right place, and lastly, never be intimidated by bigger players,” he concluded.