Q&A with UJ fullback Earl Lewis
FNB UJ fullback Earl Lewis has thrilled friend and foe alike with his attacking style of play in the Varsity Cup and at Seven-a-side level. www.varsitycup.co.za caught up with the hot-stepping sensation to find out more about his career thus far and also about his future plans.
(1) Varsity Cup (VC): So, who is Earl Lewis? Tell us a bit about yourself; where do you come from and where were you schooled?
Earl Lewis (EL): “I was born and grew up in a small town, Darling, in the Western Cape. I attended Darling Primary and Atlantis Secondary (schools).”
(2) VC: You’re listed as a flyhalf on the official Varsity Cup website, but you seem to spend most of your time at fullback for UJ. Which position do you prefer?
EL: “To be honest, I don’t mind which of the two I play. I love flyhalf because I can control the game a bit more, but, at the same time, I also enjoy fullback because you have more space to run with the ball.”
(3) VC: What do you think of the Varsity Cup? (At the age of just 21 he still has a few years left to play in the tournament – ed.)
EL: “It’s a great competition and the perfect launching pad for any youngster wanting to make a career out of rugby. It’s awesome to play in, as the stars of tomorrow are born in the Varsity Cup.”
(4) VC: Do you have any rugby heroes?
EL: “I’ve got two… Carlos Spencer (New Zealand) and Jason Robinson (England).
(5) VC: Who has been the biggest influence in your career thus far?
EL: “God (Jesus), my brother (Wayne Lewis) and my father (Willie Lewis).”
(6) VC: What do you enjoy most about playing rugby?
EL: “Improving every time I step onto the field… and making new friends all the time.”
(7) VC: You’ve trained with Paul Treu’s Sevens squad and you were a star performer for UJ at the Melrose Sevens, which you guys won. Do you enjoy Sevens, would you like to pursue a full-time Sevens career?
EL: “I love Sevens because of the space that it gives you to do what you do best! My goal is to play a full season on the IRB Sevens circuit, so if it’s God’s will, then I would love to join Paul Treu’s squad again!”
(8) VC: Tell us about your recent experience of playing for the SA Vipers in Tangiers.
EL: “It was amazing; especially playing with more experienced guys like Mlindazwe Nqoro, Neil Papier and Jandré Blom. But it was also great playing alongside guys like Marvin Christians, Dane Johnson and Cameron Peverett – I played against them in the Varsity Cup, so it was nice playing with them this time.”
(9) VC: Post-Varsity Cup, how are things shaping up at UJ?
EL: “We’re getting better and better… Watch us in the 2010 Varsity Cup!”
(10) VC: What are your personal aims for the rest of 2009? Any chance of getting some Currie Cup game time for the Lions?
EL: “I would love to play Currie Cup rugby for the Lions, so hopefully that will become a reality for me this year. Aside from that, I just want to grow more as a solider for God through rugby.”
PERSONAL DETAILS – EARL LEWIS:
Date and place of birth: July 15, 1987; Darling
Height: 1,77m
Weight: 79kg
Favourite food: Tomatoe bredie
Favourite drink: Creme Soda
Notable rugby achievements: Boland Under-18 (Craven Week), Boland U19 and Boland U21, Boland Cavaliers, Lions Vodacom Cup
Years playing for UJ: This is my first year at UJ!
