The North-West University’s (NWU) Rugby Institute has again proven itself to be one of the country’s foremost player factories with six players of the NWU Eagles Varsity Cup winning squad having secured provincial contracts.
These players have also obtained their respective academic degrees from the NWU, thus yet again underlining the NWU’s commitment to providing well-rounded athletes with a future beyond the sporting fields.
These players are captain Ruan “Sampie” Swiegers (Pumas), Gustav Erlank (Griquas), Sylvester Hassien (Pumas), Theuns Pretorius (Pumas), Martin Venter (Verona Rugby Club in Italy) and Junior White (Pumas).
Pumas’ coach Jimmy Stonehouse – a man renowned for his canny and rugby acumen – made sure to delve into the Rugby Institute’s ample player resources as he continues to build a rugby dynasty in Nelspruit that saw the Pumas win last year’s Currie Cup and finish as runners-up in 2023’s competition.
The Rugby Institute has been a conveyer belt of talent to South Africa’s rugby landscape and fields across the country have boasted players from the Rugby Institute since its inception 2000.
“I am immensely proud of these players for not only the exceptional service they provided on the field, but for also the example they set through their academic achievements. I am confident that they will continue to take their careers to new heights,” says Mervyn Taylor, manager of the Rugby Institute.
“They have proven that through hard work and dedication, there are no limits to the goals you can achieve. The North-West University is proud of you.”
