Captain's profile: Renier Labuschagne
Zwartkop captain Renier Labuschagne possesses physical gifts that make him equally adept in the pack and the backline.
The 18-year-old’s speed, size and ball skills have seen him terrorise defences at eighthman, centre and wing while his hard-hitting defence is another trademark of his all-round game.
Labuschagne will wear the No.8 jersey when he leads Zwartkop out in their FNB Classic Clash against Eldoraigne on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a very tough game. We expect them to come hard at us, force us to make tackles and test us on defence,” he said of the weekend’s game in Pretoria.
“It’s great to captain the team. It comes with great responsibility but it’s a mental boost as player,” said Labuschagne.
“I always try to play with heart and to be ready at any moment to make a tackle or break a tackle and to lead by example.”
Labuschagne has represented the Falcons B team and the Blue Bulls at Under-13 and Under-14 level and has played Bokkie Week rugby at both Under-14 and Under-18 level.
“It was very good to play in those tournaments. I loved the competition and learned several skills. It also helped me grow mentally as a player,” said Labuschagne.
He considers his three seasons as a member of the first team as the highlight of his young career.
