Welkom Gim Captain - Nick Fortuin

Having represented the Griffons at Under-13 level, Under-16 Grant Khomo week, Under-18 academy and Craven Weeks, Fortuin has enough experience as a captain to push his team through some injury troubles they are having.

 

"We have a young group of players, average age of under 17," the captain said ahead of his Classic Clash with Goudveld.

 

"We are missing some players through injury, our scrumhalf broke his upper leg, a prop broke his nose and had to undergo reconstruction, our fullback tore his ligaments.

 

"However, we are still confident that their replacements will do the job at hand."

 

The pressure is also on Welkom Gim and the skipper as the bookies favourites, having won four out of the last five Classic Clashes.

 

Fortuin knows his younger team will also be up against some older boys in their opposition.

 

"They have numerous Under-19 players in their team and will be very physical, while also trying to throw the ball out wide," he added.

 

"As mentioned already, our average age is below 17, so they have about two years on us.

 

"But we are geared for the challenge. It is going to take a lot out of us, we must be ready mentally, because the are gunning for us."

 

Fortuin is very grateful for the chances he has been given at Welkom Gim and feels proud of the way his rugby has molded him.

 

"It is a great honour [to be named captain], especially seeing that it was one of my dreams," the captain went on.

 

"I have always wanted this since my grade eight year, but at the end of the day, its hard work and its all about the team.

 

"I am very vocal on the field and as captain I believe in discipline and I work by that.

 

"I believe i make good decisions where and when it matters, while analyzing the game."