VIDEO: From Rotterdam to Stellenbosch - Hugo Geselschap's journey to South Africa

EXCLUSIVE: At the tender age of 18, Netherlands-born Western Province Rugby Institute player Hugo Geselschap has already learned valuable lessons during his short stint in the Republic.

Geselschap joined the Western Province Institute in mid February 2026 from the Rotterdamse Studenten Rugby Club.

In an exclusive sit-down interview with Rugby365, the 18-year-old shared the unorthodox way he got into the game, his experience of playing in both countries, his biggest culture shock and his future plans in the sport.

The Q&A follows below…

Rugby365: How did you get into the sport, and what is rugby like in the Netherlands?

Geselschap: “I started [playing] rugby whilst living in the Netherlands through an Au Pair when I was nine years old.

“He played rugby for a student club in my city of Rotterdam. I didn’t know what rugby was and had only heard of the sport before.

“I went to watch one game and decided to try it out. I went to a practice session and decided this is what I want to do, and since then, I’ve never stopped loving the game.

“Rugby in the Netherlands are ever improving. When I started playing as a kid, the quality wasn’t very good, from the facilities to the scheduling of matches.

“These days, there are several international players in our top-level competitions with many bright prospects for the future of Dutch rugby.

“I have a lot of hope that the sport will progress with time in the country.”

Rugby365: You mentioned off-camera that you have lived in South Africa before?

Geselschap: “Since August 2025, I’ve lived in Johannesburg and played for Pirates Rugby Club for their Under-18 side, which I really enjoyed.

“I still love my coach very much. He helped me with transitioning to the style of South African rugby, which is much tougher than back in the Netherlands.

“When somebody hits you here [in South Africa], it doesn’t stop at the hit. They will drive you into the ground until you succumb to the impact.

“Whereas in the Netherlands, if you take the hit, players start falling down already, so I needed to work on my tackling.

“The hits are harder, the moment you put a shoulder into the tackle isn’t done yet, you need to give all you have in every tackle.

“That’s something I experienced in South Africa, and I’m happy to take that back to the Netherlands, because I’ll need to smash everyone back home.” He said lightheartedly.

Rugby365: How did you get into the Western Province Institute?

Geselschap: “I came through UXI, which is a company that helps players who are not in the top schools, such as Grey College or Paul Roos, who didn’t get a professional contract after school.

“You can study and play for the Western Province academy, and you play for Villagers rugby club as well.

“We train often, and I found it to be a good experience with very good coaches who help you a lot with one-on-one work, personal development plans, etc.

“You can register; they’ll look at your rugby background before taking you in.

“I’m currently part of the programme until December, and I might do a second year, but I’m not sure about that yet.”

The Q&A follows below…

Rugby365: Would you stay if a professional contract arose in South Africa?

Geselschap: “I can’t say no to such an opportunity, of course.

“Whoever offers me a contract first, I’ll join.

“Of course I’d say yes. I love this country, but I would also love a contract in the Netherlands which will be easier to get a job as well.

“But if a team in SA wants me, I would love to stay here.”

Rugby365: How do you experience living in South Africa from a social point of view?

Geselschap: “It’s very nice. I never lived outside of my parents’ home, so it’s the first time I’m living alone.

“Things like cooking and doing laundry are quite new for me.

“You need to take those steps in life to develop, especially at the age of 18 years.

“Regarding the social part, there are a lot of good people here, and the socialising is very fun.

“You can go out for a quick beer anytime at a bar, and there are nice clubs. I try not to drink too much because I’m here to focus on my rugby, but a beer once in a while is quite nice.

“I met several great people, and to compare South Africa to the Netherlands, going out here is more fun than back home, from my experience.

“Of course, my best friends are in the Netherlands, and I miss them a lot, but the social experience in South Africa is much more fun.

“In the Netherlands, everyone is very much to themselves, whereas in South Africa, people will come up and want to get to know you.”

Rugby365: What’s the biggest culture shock you experienced in South African rugby?

Geselschap: “The respect factor on and off the field. It also happens in the Netherlands, but I struggled a lot with it.

“I couldn’t see my opponent as someone I’d like to talk to, but in South Africa, it’s a lot different.

“I remember this one game whilst playing for Pirates – I got tip-tackled by someone, and we had an altercation.

“But I realised after the game that my opponent, just as myself tried to give his all and that it was nothing malicious from his side.

“The only thing I can do is to respect that. I went up to him, shook his hand and told him he played a very good game, and we ended up chatting for 20 minutes after the match and got to know him.

“That’s the biggest culture shock to me. It was very different for me.”

Rugby365: You mentioned in our pre-chat that you’re open to switching playing positions?

Geselschap: “I used to play flyhalf and [currently] fullback, but now I’m trying my hand at centre [inside and outside] because I love physical contact.

“I feel the more I can harden up in that department, the more it would help me back in the Netherlands.

“Playing fullback is nice, I love kicking and fielding high balls, but I also love one-on-one confrontations, which is why I want to try out playing centre.”