Schickerling taking nothing for granted

The 20-year-old made his debut for the Stormers when he came off the bench in the 33-9 win over the Bulls last Saturday, but it could have been all so different for the talented youngster. 

In August of 2014, Schickerling was nearly paralysed after suffering a broken neck in a Provincial Under-21 clash for Western Province against the Bulls. He then made a stunning comback 14 months later in an U21 match against the Lions.

"The one thing I learned in life is to not to take things for granted," said Schickerling. "You have to use every opportunity that you get and just go full out.

"I didn't know if I would be able to play again until the doctor told me that there was a chance – but they had to do a second operation. Obviously I said yes and I got the chance again. 

"I had very tough time trying to get back on the field again."

He admitted that he found it tough to find the confidence to go into contact again when he made his return to the playing field.

"You know you broke your neck and you have to get confidence again going in with your head and stuff – It was quite tough. 

"It was just a mind thing and I just had to go for it.

Support from family and friends played a big part in big man's recovery, especially his mom, who was a bit fearful ahead of the Bulls' game.

"She was very scared at the beginning – I actually got another high tackle in the Bulls game and my mom told me she was very angry about it," he said laughing. "She said she does not want to come watch me live now, so it wasn’t good for her.

"My parents went through a tough time as well with me, but they stood by me and that helped me a lot."

Schickerling, who represented South Africa at the Junior World Championship in 2014, said it was a dream come true when he ran out for the Stormers in front pf a packed Newlands. 

"Just to get selected into the squad was something major for me. It's been a dream of mine and just to have the chance to get on the field was very awesome," he said.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com