Johan van Wyk – Hoërskool Gelofte
Player Profile
It is not often that a scholar from a so-called “smaller” school finds himself in the company of the very best players from the top rugby schools in his province. One has to be a special player to reach the top of such a distinguished bunch of schoolboys, and that is exactly what Johan van Wyk of Hoërskool Gelofte has achieved.
This talented sportsman, who not only excels at rugby, but also cricket and athletics, has this year played himself into the KwaZulu Natal Craven Week side after he had represented the KwaZulu Natal Academy side in 2005. Those who have watched him over the past few years, will know that here is one of those rare locks who possesses both the attributes of athleticism and physicality. The schoolboy version of a Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha combined, so to speak.
Going through three sets of trials and battling against the boys from top rugby schools such as Westville Boys' High, Maritzburg College, Kearsney College, Hilton College and DHS, Johan finally made it into the KwaZulu Natal Craven Week side that took part in this year’s tournament Johannesburg.
Born in Durban on 21 January 1988, Johan started playing for the Gelofte Primary School Under-7s while still a lightie of 5, 6 years old at the Kokkewiet Pre-primary School in Pinetown. He started out at No.8, but at Under-12 level moved to lock and was selected for the Natal Under-12 Nike team. In primary school he was coached by his father, Kobus, a former Northern Natal fullback/flyhalf, who Johan believes had had a great influence on his game.
He was regarded as strong enough to play prop in his Under-13 and Under-14 years at Gelofte HS, before moving to No.8 again as an Under-15. As an Under-16 player, and in Std 8, he started playing for Gelofte 1st XV at lock and No.8, and captained the side in 2005 and 2006.
Until recently, he has always regarded cricket as his main sport, captaining the school’s 1st XI in 2005 and 2006, and also playing in the final Natal Schools trials as an opening bowler and top-order batsman. He’s also a fine athlete who has represented the Pinetown Districts team, and like a true rugby player, loves a game of golf.
Although he has spent his entire career amongst the forwards, his schoolboy heroes had been two backline wizards, Carlos Spencer and Rupeni Caucaunibuka, whom he admired for their great flair.
Johan is very determined to pursue a career as a rugby player. He is hoping to get a contract with one of the provincial unions, and would also like to have a stint in England or France, where there is a great emphasis on forward play. At the same time Johan – who academically is a top scholar – would like to find time to study medicine, so that he has something to fall back upon when his rugby days are over.
By Chris Schoeman
