Captain's Profile: JP Duvenage
Having been part of SWD’s Grant Khoma Under-16 team in 2013 and their U18 Craven Week team in 2014 and 2015, the matriculant has had an illustrious career, which is still far from over.
Despite accumulating all these accolades through the years, the inside centre still classifies his debut first XV match as the highlight if his career.
"It was a great privileged to represent my province for two years. The SWD team performed very well in both years! I had learnt a lot from the other players and it helped me become the player that I am today.
"The highlight of my rugby career would have to be my debut first XV game. I was still U16 and therefore it was something I shall never forget," De Jager said.
With three years’ first XV experience, captaincy has become second nature to him.
"Being named captain is a privilege and honour. It is a huge responsibility but luckily my teammates make it easy for me to lead them.
"I believe a good captain inspires his team to have confidence in the captain, and the captain also inspires his team to believe in themselves. A good captain is a person who leads on and off the field.
"Thus, I try to lead by example and will always put my body on the line for my team," he added.
The Kwaggas, as Outeniqua are more commonly known as, have put in some notable performances this season. Securing victories over Waterkloof and Momunent, the team is gaining momentum.
However the Classic Clash is always the most anticipated match for the Kwaggas and Struisies rivalry.
"We have a history of more than 50 years playing against the Struisies and even though we have won the last couple of years, it’s always a tough game.
"Despite the uncertainties of two key players, we do have enough talent to replace them. But hopefully they will recover in time,"
Planning to study at the University of Stellenbosch and continuing to build on his rugby career, the captain respects his opponents and never underestimate them.
"We should never underestimate them, especially in front of their home crowd. We have to stay focused and mentally strong for this clash," he stated.
