Stormers wing reveals why he nearly quit rugby

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers wing Leolin Zas revealed that he was close to quitting the game a few seasons ago.

The 26-year-old, who has been one of the Stormers’ top performers in the United Rugby Championship, has opened up on his difficult journey over the last few years and how it has made him a stronger player.

As a 20-year-old, Zas was a revelation for the Stormers in Super Rugby back in 2016 before he broke his leg in a pre-season friendly in early 2017.

Zas fractured both his fibula and tibia and he was ruled out of action for a year.

As he made his way back to the rugby field, he opted to sign for the Sharks ahead of the 2018 season in a bid to restart his career.

He eventually made his way back to Cape Town in 2020 and now he is enjoying a resurgence in the game.

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“It was quite a tough journey, but I feel that I am much more mature now, and those types of things [broken leg] happen so you know where you stand today,” said Zas.

“If I had the time to take it back, I won’t. Personally, I feel that I am a better player and a more mature player as well.

“Going back to two or three years ago, I was in a bit of a dark place.

“I wasn’t confident at all; I didn’t know where I belong.

“There were times when I felt that maybe this game isn’t for me.

“But I am here today and I am playing again. I am starting again and I am playing great rugby.

“I am feeling confident and I also need to acknowledge that the coaches and my fellow players kept on believing in me and that is why I didn’t make a decision to call it [retire] earlier.”

#SPOTLIGHT: @BlueBullsRugby wing Madosh Tambwe not entertaining transfer talks, instead keen on playing for @Springboks
🗣️ “It would be massive to get called up into the national team.”#rugby @URCOfficial #URC https://t.co/3rI8sCngaM

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) March 28, 2022

On the “dark place” he was talking about, Zas added: ” There was a stage when I just couldn’t get my rhythm and there was a time where the [Sharks] coaches didn’t back me.

“I really thought it would only last six to 12 months, but it took me three years and I still haven’t reached the peak where I want to be.

“I think during that dark time, you rethink your choices and also find yourself wondering if this career is for you and worthwhile, especially given the emotional and physical challenges.

“But I pushed through and I am certainly not disappointed.”

Zas believed a move to the Sharks was the right way to go to turn his fortunes around.

“I was injured for a year and it was tough not playing,” he explained.

“I just felt I needed a different environment and there were guys like Kobus van Wyk and Louise Schreuder, who have done the same and they were playing good rugby.

“So, I thought the break will do me good as well.

“I wouldn’t say it was a wrong move because I learned a lot of things and I found myself.”

Stormers assistant coach Dawie Snyman has seen the growth in Zas.

“I watched Leolin play Super Rugby when he was 20 years old and he was phenomenal,” said Snyman.

“He scored more tries than games he played, so that injury was a bit of a setback for him, especially with a guy with speed and one that relies on his agility and his power. It takes quite a while to get back from that injury.

“It was sad when we lost him and that is how it goes sometimes, but it was also exciting to get him back.

“It was a journey – he didn’t just come back and started performing from the start. He had to work quite hard to get his confidence back.

“Even this season he had a bit of a tough ride where he was on tour with us where he was one of the better wings in the URC and he came back and had to play Currie Cup.

“But he was mature about it.

“It just shows his mindset. it doesn’t matter where he plays, he will perform and now he is really shooting the lights out.

“I am really happy for the guy because I know the effort he puts in and the rewards he is getting now is well deserved.”

@rugby365com