How an 'unused' Bok blazer is motivating youngsters
Robert Thompson Ebersohn has seen his career take a few intriguing twists and turns in the past 15 years – which included many highs and a few of life’s lemons.
One of those disappointments was making the Springbok 15-a-side squad, but not getting onto the field.
He was given all the official Bok gear, including the famed Green-&-Gold blazer.
However, the proviso – as tradition arbitrates – is that he can’t wear that apparel until he gets capped.
To this day he has not worn the jacket and has always only carried it over his arm.
On Saturday, when the Cheetahs host Western Province in a Currie Cup Round Nine encounter in Bloemfontein, he will run out in his 100th game for the Free State team.
Of course, there were 50-odd outings for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby between 2010 and 2013, but that was a combined team that included Griquas and the Griffons in the ‘franchise’.
His 99 previous outings for the Bloemfontein-only Cheetahs were between 2008 and this year – split by an eight-year stint in France.
Between late 2013 and mid-2021, he played for Montpellier (50-odd games), Castres (97 matches) and Béziers (20-odd outings).
And who can forget the very successful run with the national Sevens team, BlitzBoks – whom he represented in 11 tournaments?
Before heading to France in 2013, Ebersohn was called up to the Boks squad for the mid-year Test series against Italy, Scotland and Samoa.
With doubt over the fitness of captain Jean de Villiers – who ‘popped’ a rib in the encounter with Scotland – Ebersohn was placed on standby for the Test against Samoa.
However, De Villiers passed a late fitness test and Ebersohn never got that elusive Test cap.
Ebersohn described as a “special moment” the opportunity to bring a century up at home, in Bloemfontein, after such a lengthy stay abroad.
Having fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for the Cheetahs alongside his twin brother, Sias, (37 times), he can now add another achievement to his bucket list – 100 games.
He said he was “very privileged” to have been part of the Bok squad in 2013, even though he never played.
(Article continues below the Robert Ebersohn interview …)
“I’ve got the blazer, a tie, a white shirt and kit with my name on it,” he told @rugby365com.
“I always had to wear the blazer over my arm, when I sat at the side of the field to watch the [Bok] team play,” adding that he was allowed to keep the blazer, but he can never wear it.
Not even in the privacy of his own home has he ever put it on, out of respect for the Springbok brand.
“It was difficult and I had to make peace with the fact that it is my identity – someone who has never played for the Springboks.
“I had to figure out what I stand for and what do I represent. It helped me form my identity.”
He said he often uses his situation and the blazer to motivate people to accept the cards they are dealt in life.
“I have done a few motivational talks,” he said, adding: “I go to schools and ‘manne aande’ [male-only evenings] and I have used it – especially with young boys who struggle with their identity.
“It is for those who struggle to fit in, keep up with the Jones, in a ‘win at all costs’ environment and try to be something that you are not comfortable with.
“[It helps them] to come to terms with who they are and what they stand for.
“Sometimes you don’t have a choice and stuff happens in our lives and you have to decide how you deal with that.”
Cheetahs defence coach Charl Strydom spoke about Ebersohn’s role in the Cheetahs ‘Dream Team’ of 2013 – when they reached the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time.
That team included players like Lourens Adriaanse, Heinrich Brüssow, Lodewyk de Jager, Johan Goosen, Willie le Roux, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Raymond Rhule, Adriaan Strauss and Pieter Van Zyl – who all became Springboks.
Add in the likes of Pieter Labuschagne (now a regular feature in the Japan national team), Willem Nel (a Scotland regular), Torsten Van Jaarsveld (Namibia) and Johannes Prinsloo (BlitzBoks) and you get an idea of the quality and talent at the Cheetahs’ disposal at the time.
Strydom said Ebersohn, despite being one of the more ‘senior’ players in the current team, is showing glimpses of the form that took him to the brink of Springbok selection.
Ebersohn, whose contract expires in June, said he is hoping to still be around next year when Ruan Pienaar and Schalk Ferreira will turn 40 – setting the ‘active age’ bar very high.
“It makes me feel young,” the 34-year-old said.
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* Picture credit: @CheetahsRugby
