Devin’s all set for Middlesbrough

BARELY out of his teens, rising rugby star, Devin Aspden has the world at his fingertips, counting his blessings on each one.

Through hard work and faith, this gifted, but humble young man has realised his lifelong dream of playing rugby at an international level and his phenomenal talent has been snapped up by Middlesbrough Rugby Union Football Club, an English rugby union team based in Middlesbrough, Teesside, in the United Kingdom.

Inspired by his father and grandfather before him, who both played rugby, Devin has played throughout his school career, starting in pre-primary school and nurturing his skill and talent for the game through both primary and high school, and going on to play for Natal in 2014 and Northern Natal in 2015 and was selected for the South African U/19 team.

Earlier this year, Devin was scouted by College Rovers and subsequently moved to Durban, where he was recently offered a contract by the UK based rugby club. On August 10, Devin received an email from the club, offering him a spot in their squad.

“It was such a great feeling,” recalls Devin, of the moment he learnt of the offer. “My biggest passion is to further my rugby career and to make my parents proud. I’d like to be able to look after them one day when they retire,” he adds. “It’s all about love and respect,” says Devin, with an unmistakable sincerity resonating in his voice.

Naturally, it was his parents who he contacted first when he got the life-altering email from the club.

“We’ve always encouraged our children to follow their dreams and, with Devin, it’s always been rugby,” says proud mum, Jeanine Aspden. “His dad has always told him, ‘Devin, play with your heart,’ and that’s what he does. It’s difficult to think about the fact that he’s going so far away,” she continues. “It all happened so fast! But we’re so proud of him,” she adds. “We just want him to enjoy this time.”

“Go over there and show them how it’s done,” is her message to Devin. “And above all, play with your heart.”

Devin has a message to all aspiring rugby players out there who are keen to further their careers in the sport, “Hard work does pay off,” he affirms. “It takes a lot of training. It’s blood, sweat and tears that you have to put in, but it is worth it. It’s hard, but it gets better. Keep your faith in the Lord, keep pushing forward and all things will come your way.”

“I would like to thank everyone for supporting me and believing in me,” adds Devin. “Especially my mom and dad, my sisters, Danielle and Ashton, and my girlfriend, Abby Erwee. And my Ouma.”

Devin Aspden jets off to the United Kingdom on September 5 to begin the next exciting chapter in his rugby career.

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