Q&A with PW van Vuuren
varsitycup.co.za caught up with impressive FNB Shimlas No.2 PW van Vuuren, who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of many Grey College hookers before him.
Having played for all the national junior teams – SA Schools in 2006, SA Under-19 in 2007 and SA Under-20 in 2008 – PW van Vuuren is, perhaps, destined to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Naka Drotské, Charl Marais, Bismarck du Plessis and Adriaan Strauss – all of whom went to Grey College in Bloemfontein, before going on to become top-class provincial and international hookers.
The Cradock-born rake is regarded as one of the finest hookers in the Free State region at present. He made his debut for the Free State senior team at only 20 years of age in the 2008 Currie Cup.
After making a big impact for the Shimlas in the 2008 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, he was called up for Vodacom Cup duty (for the Cheetahs) last year, but – this season – he is now available, again, for the Men in Blue.
varsitycup.co.za caught up with the 21-year-old Shimlas ace:
(1) Varsity Cup (VC): Why did you specifically decide to go to Kovsies and what are you studying?
PW van Vuuren (PWV): “I was in school at Grey College in Bloemfontein and it seemed to be the best for my rugby to stay in the Free State where everyone knows me and (to) be close to home. I am studying a B.Com, Accounting.”
(2) VC: Is there anyone in the family that is (or was) also good in rugby or sport?
PWV: “Nah, not really.”
(3) VC: Do you have any nicknames and where does it come from?
PWV: “I have a lot! The latest one is ‘Bernie’. But I don’t really know why the guys call me that!”
(4) VC: Do you have any superstitions regarding rugby?
PWV: “Not really, but I always play with white bandaged tape around my head – maybe I just like the colour… I’m not sure though.”
(5) VC: What has been the biggest disappointment of your rugby career thus far?
PWV: “Last year I missed out on playing in the Under-21 Currie Cup Final, which we won, due to injury.”
(6) VC: What would you describe as your strong points as a rugby player?
PWV: “I would like to think I’m pretty solid in all aspects of a hooker’s duties.”
(7) VC: And what aspects of your game would like to improve on?
PWV: “There is always room for improvement – in all areas, I believe.”
(8) VC: In which rugby stadium, anywhere in the world, would you like to play in?
PWV: “Twickenham in England.”
(9) VC: What has been your biggest embarrassment on the field, if any?
PWV: “I have a habit of forgetting my rugby boots on matchdays!”
(10) VC: What Varsity Cup side do you most enjoy playing against and why?
PWV: “Pukke. We play against them each year in Intervarsity, but find it really hard to beat them. So, ja, I don’t like them that much.”
By Ruan Bruwer
