MyPlayers Magazine- May 2019

#OurG ameOurFuture

MAY 2019 ISSUE 8

FORME SPRINGB R OKS

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ARDS W A E IC O H C S R E Y B R IG H T R O C K P L A

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/ APHIWE X R A M M L O C L A M I / ZAIN DAVIDS / N A IM Y A D H A V JI C HA

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ION AT S I N A G R O ’ S R YE LA P E TH FROM

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Editor’s letter What’s happening at The Players’ Organisation The 2018 Brightrock Players Choice Awards

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things you need to know 3 5about our Players’ App

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Rassie’s RWC approach

facts about your 13 Fun Iqhawe bursary winner

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The Balancing Act Philip van der Walt

to know your 16-18 Get part-time PDMs

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The Perfect Brew Philip, Kyle and Cecil

Recovery products 22-23 Exalt with Jesse Kriel

Your Santam Insurance solutions

Lambie and Peter 26-27 Pat Grant speak up about

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Signs and symptoms of concussion

concussion

MYPLAYERS / EDITOR’S LETTER

1995, 2007, 2019?

BEING BORN IN 1995, A SPECIAL YEAR FOR SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY, AND AS A RUGBY LOVER, I ONLY HEAR STORIES ABOUT THE FINAL AND SEARCH FOR THE FAMOUS PHOTO ON GOOGLE OF FRANCOIS PIENAAR LIFTING THE WEBB ELLIS TROPHY ALONG WITH THE LATE NELSON MANDELA BY HIS SIDE. However, I’m not the only one. Springboks such as Malcolm Marx, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel were only one-year-old back then.

Years went by until the 2007 World Cup final. I can recall this one. The year in which John Smit lifted the holy grail of rugby for the second time in South Africa’s history. As a youngster, that moment made me #LoveRugby.

Not only me; the Players’ Player of the Year for 2018, Malcolm Marx, can also recall that moment. One that inspired him to take rugby more seriously.

Marx didn’t only claim that single title at the Players Choice Awards, but also Forward of the Year. If you missed the BrightRock Players Choice Awards, don’t worry because in this issue you can get to know more about some of our winners.

With the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan almost upon us, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, spoke about team selection and his plan going forward.

World Cup chats aside, we’ve got some exciting news to share. The National Player Development programme has kicked off. Get to know your part-time Player Development Managers at the Cheetahs, Blue Bulls and Lions. They will be around your union often, so we did the necessary “background check” on your behalf.

Jesse Kriel recently launched a business, Exalt Sport. Exalt has released a range of recovery products made with epsom salt. A world renowned South African athlete will be joining the Exalt ambassador team. We know you want to read about it first, so we’ve got the scoop!

I thought I was a coffee lover until I met these three Blitzboks. I was surprised to hear that they take coffee grinders, bags full of beans and even a scale on tour with them. Meeting up with Kyle Brown, Philip Snyman and Cecil Afrika in Stellenbosch, they spilled the beans about their new business, Eighteen Coffee and announced the upcoming launch of their online store so that you can order their Pilot blend to taste for yourself.

Photo supplier:

Design partner and sub-editing:

Last but not least, have you heard Robbie Wessels’ new song about Patrick Lambie? Go listen to it on YouTube, but only after you have read our article about former Springboks Patrick Lambie and Peter Grants’ retirement and why they downplayed their serious concussion injuries.

So happy reading!

Till August, we’ll catch you just before the RWC.

@MyPlayersRugby EDITOROF THE MYPLAYERS MAGAZINE @RayniqueM

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LAUNCH OF PLAYERS’ APP / MYPLAYERS

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR APP

REGISTRATION PROCESS You will need to unlock your membership benefits by signing up on the Players’ App.

TASKS AND PLAYER BENEFITS

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During the year you will be notified about critical tasks you will need to complete in order to receive your membership benefits.

EXAMPLE

If you don’t execute on these tasks, you won’t receive the benefits linked to it.

To update or confirm your bank details would be one of the tasks you will need to complete in order to receive your collective commercial payments.

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#OurG ameOurFuture

VERIFICATION PROCESS AND PASSWORDS The safety of your information is of a high priority to us as we want to ensure that we keep it safe and secure.

MESSAGES AND NOTIFICATION HUB With a touch a button, you will have access to make contact with the MyPlayers team should you have any questions or require assistance.

EXAMPLE Let’s say you need your pension fund statement: 1. Go to Messaging Function 2. Select the relevant department > Financial Services

UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

3. Type a short message > “Hi there, I need my Pension Fund Statement.

Thanks Pierre.”

4. The MyPlayers team will receive We want to keep you in the loop by your message and we will get back communicating all of our exclusive deals to you as soon as possible! and offerings provided by our benefit partners to you.

Also, we want to keep you updated as to who serves on the MyPlayers board and who all the provincial THE JUNE/JULY ROADSHOWS ARE IMPORTANT FOR YOU representatives are.

TO ATTEND AS WE WILL INTRODUCE THE PLAYERS’ APP.

ATTENTION

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? Contact your Communication Manager,

Raynique Meyer, on raynique@my-players.com.

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MYPLAYERS / PLAYERS’ ORGANISATION NEWS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE MyPLAYERS TO ASSIST

THE NAMIBIAN PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS WITH PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION

OUR NEW MYPLAYERS’ WEBSITE The MyPlayers team have been working on a new website to provide you, and our external stakeholders, with key information about the Players’ Organisation with the click of a few buttons.

You’ll receive short breakdowns about the entities which MyPlayers manage on a daily basis and also about the various divisions.

We’ve developed a news hub for you to read the Players’ Magazine online and also to receive newsletters from us. The players can also log onto the Players’ App through the website to complete their tasks and to receive messages and notifications from us.

We will be launching the www.myplayers.co.za website in May.

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The professional rugby players of Namibia had an inaugural meeting in Windhoek where the players made a decision to form and register their own players’ association.

International Rugby Players (IRP) asked MyPlayers to assist these players with the formation of their association.

At the meeting held on the 19th of February, the players signed a mandate for IRP to represent them in all matters pertaining to services provided to rugby players in Namibia. IRP is the global representative body on issues of importance to professional rugby players.

MyPlayers is currently putting all required documentation together for the purpose of registering a Namibian Players’ Association.

In consultation with IRP, we continue to provide the needed advice to the currently assembled squad.

BENEFIT PARTNERS - UPDATE ON EXCLUSIVE DEALS AND OFFERINGS -

OUR EXCLUSIVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY DEAL! We are happy to announce that we have extended our partnership with Tsogo Sun by the continuance of our friends and family deal at exclusive rates as communicated to you, the players, from time to time.

For more information about this deal, see the Tsogo Sun advertisement in the magazine. Tsogo Sun is also a proud accommodation partner of MyPlayers.

NEW IN-STORE DISCOUNT NOW AVAILABLE! Samsonite now also offers you a 30% in-store discount in addition to online purchases. Identify yourself as a MyPlayers member in-store with your ID or use our promo code #MyPlayers online to claim your discount.

So, no more excuses boys, go get those travelling bags!

MYPLAYERS ARE PEOPLE WITH A #TasteForLife We've got some exciting news to share with you. They are well-known for their sizzling burgers, ribs, and steaks. Yes, we are welcoming the famous family restaurant, Spur, on board. They have awarded R10 000 in vouchers to the Players’ Organisation. We will be running a competition soon, so for official details, keep an eye out on our communications to you.

PLAYERS’ ORGANISATION NEWS / MYPLAYERS

PLAYERS’ ORGANISATION KEY-POINTS OF THE

NATIONAL CONTRACTING MODEL COMMERCIAL PAYMENTS TO PLAYERS WERE MADE SARU announced that in 2020 home-based players will be taken into the springbok succession planning as part of their strategic approach with regards to the new contracting model going forward.

The key topics in their announcement were:

SCRAPPING OF THE 30-TEST CAP RULE

We are happy to announce that in 2019 the Players’ Trust made collective commercial payments to 629 players for their rights to be used by SA Rugby, the provinces and other commercial partners.

For the duration of January 2018 – December 2018. Our total for the collective commercial payments indicated an overall increase of 7% from the previous year which were distributed to various provincial teams, the Blitzboks and the Springboks.

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) wants to scrap this rule which means that all overseas-based players will be considered to play for the Springboks.

STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF REGULATION 9 In terms of World Rugby’s Regulation 9, SARU is entitled to call up players from overseas clubs and leagues to do duty for the Springboks. In the past, SARU did not always strictly enforce this rule. This has now changed in that SARU would enforce Regulation 9 in all instances.

EFFECTIVE SUCCESSION PLANNING The current national contracting model will, in the future, be extended to include more players for purposes of succession planning for the Springboks.

Players must note that SARU would still make the same financial investment in players as in the past. These strategic changes do not change the position that players were in prior to these changes.

OUR MYPLAYERS BURSARY PROGRAMME FOR 2019 WE ALLOCATED 15 BURSARIES TO PLAYERS WORTH UP TO R300 000.

We encourage our players to empower themselves for the step-up when their rugby careers come to an end.

Our aim with our bursary scheme is to develop our players for off-field activities and business ventures they want to take on.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING PLAYERS ON RECEIVING A MYPLAYERS BURSARY: REWAN KRUGER

FEZOKUHLE MBATHA Sharks Business Administration

KEVIN KABA

Griquas BCom Accounting

THAAKIR ABRAHAMS

LINDOKUHLE LUTHULI

MFUNDO NDHLOVU

NGONIDZASHE CHIDOMA

Cheetahs BCom General

Sharks BA Psychology

Sharks BA Communication

SARU Sevens BCom Business Management

Pumas BCom Marketing Management

XANDER VOS

EP Kings Certificate in Personal Training

SEAN BARNES

NTUTHUKO MCHUNU

FP PELSER

CAREL-JAN COETZEE

YAW PENXE

DEVON WILLIAMS

LEE-MARVIN MAZIBUKO

Griquas Higher Certificate in Christian Life

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO STUDY?

Cheetahs B.Ed Senior Phase

EP Kings BCom Management Accounting

Sharks Diploma Sports Science

Pumas BA Enviromental Management

Sharks Higher Certificate in Marketing

WP Bachelor of Business Administration

Contact your National Player Development Manager, Hilana Claassens, on 071 470 4901 or hilana@my-players.com for career guidance at no cost.

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MYPLAYERS / RASSIE ERASMUS

RASSIE ERASMUS CHATTED TO MYPLAYERS ABOUT THE UPCOMING WORLD CUP TEAM SELECTION AND WHAT HE EXPECTS FROM THE SPRINGBOK PLAYERS WHO WILL RECEIVE THEIR TICKET TO JAPAN.

EXPECTATIONS FOR TEAM SELECTION Erasmus wants the players to first concentrate on the task at hand, which is to display good performances for their local franchises in the Vodacom Super Rugby campaign or for their overseas clubs, before shifting their mindsets to the international window.

“They have a duty to perform for their franchise teams. If they do well there, then they will be considered for selection. However, there is still a long way to go. After the Super Rugby season, we move onto the Rugby Championship before we announce the World Cup squad. So, while the World Cup is on the horizon, the player knows that he’s got a job to do for his franchise first,” said Erasmus.

After the first Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town, Erasmus confirmed that he is settled on the majority of his squad for Japan.

“The players know what we expect from them because we have been very clear in our communication to them during our various franchise visits and our alignment camps. They have to perform to the standards that we have set. While there is clarity over, let’s say 80 percent of the group, the door is open to those who were not involved last year, to knock on the door for squad selection,” said Erasmus.

LIMITED TIME FOR PREPARATION In comparison to other coaches such as Jake White and Heyneke Meyer, Erasmus did not receive as much time to put his plans in place as they did. But he believes that with hard work, things are slowly but surely coming together.

“In 2018, we were able to give debut appearances to 19 players.

That enabled us to widen the pool of Springboks. We also managed to build a good network of communication with local and overseas teams in terms of our conditioning requirements and so forth, for our players,” said Erasmus.

“This year we are continuing with that. Some of our management staff have been to Japan on several occasions to check on facilities, the routes to the training fields and stadiums. We continue to work hard on making sure that we are well prepared for when we land in Japan,” Erasmus added.

WORKING CLOSER WITH THE LOCAL FRANCHISES AND MYPLAYERS With Springbok players located at different franchises, Erasmus and the rest of the Springbok staff managed to establish a good relationship with the provincial and franchise coaching teams.

“I think this year we have improved that relationship, which is great for all parties involved, including the players. There is very good buy-in from the coaching staff at our six franchises in respect of our player management plan for the wider group of Springbok players,” said Erasmus.

Speaking of player management, SA Rugby recently announced a new role, added to their management team to look after player affairs and welfare. This role was initiated by Erasmus as he wants to create a positive team environment for the players leading up to the World Cup. “Players are often faced with a lot of demands. There is much more that goes into the game on a Saturday than what the public sees or are aware of. Apart from training and meetings, the players must also honour their marketing, commercial and media obligations. Then players also have their personal lives to take care of. If you take all those activities and fit them into a day and spread them over a week and then months, then you will see that the players are juggling a lot of balls at the same time. It’s a difficult act to keep up. On top of that, he is also expected to perform on Saturdays.

“We decided to add Eugene Henning from MyPlayers to the Springbok management team and that is where he will fit in. He will look closely at the activities of the players and make sure that the players have enough time for the things that matter, without compromising their preparation for the next match,” said Erasmus.

THE VALUE OF PLAYER RELATIONSHIPS Erasmus is known for his bold and innovative coaching methods, but he values player relationships as a “very important element of a team environment”.

“It’s important for the players to understand the team’s philosophy and to know exactly what is expected from them by the coach and other management staff. As a coach one must be able to connect with the players, so that he can understand them and to help him make decisions that would be in the best interest of the player and the team,” Erasmus concluded.

The Springbok team will kick off their international commitments in June with two Test matches at home. These will be hosted in Johannesburg and Pretoria against the Wallabies and Pumas respectively.

MyPlayers support the Springbok ‘season ticket’ initiative to send coach Rassie and the Springbok team off with the biggest farewell as they head to Japan to take on the world’s best later this year. For more information about this initiative go to: www.springboks.rugby.

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MYPLAYERS / THE BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS Have you missed the 2018 BrightRock Players Choice Awards?

GO CATCH ALL THE ACTION ON THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL OF BRIGHTROCK.

THE 2018 BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS

We rolled out the green carpet to celebrate milestones, and camaraderie among South Africa’s professional rugby players. It was also a great opportunity for players to show off their fashion sense and hidden talents.

We are proud to say that the 2018 BrightRock Players Choice Awards were a massive success.

The awards evening would not have been possible if it wasn’t for our event partners, BrightRock, Aramex and our official media partner, Sport24.

MyPlayers caught up with a few of our winners – Malcolm Marx, Zain Davids and Hacjivah Dayimani, to hear what they are up to after the Players’ Awards and on being acknowledged by their peers.

MALCOLM MARX on receiving captaincy role and Rugby World Cup dream After solid performances throughout the 2018 season, Malcolm Marx not only received the Forward of the Year title at the BrightRock Players Choice Awards, but also walked away with the highest accolade of the evening, the Players’ Player of the Year.

Marx said that it was really humbling to receive both awards.

“There were a lot of players that I feel could have won those awards, but I’m very thankful and appreciative of it,” said Marx.

Looking back at last season, he labelled it as a good year, filled with challenges of its own.

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THE BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS / MYPLAYERS “Over the past season I had some highs and some lows, but it was all worth it. To me learning is important and I took a lot of lessons from the 2018 season,” said Marx.

This year Marx had to adapt to his new role of captaincy quickly, while leading the Lions team in the absence of injured Warren Whiteley.

“I learned a lot from Warren through the years and I’m still learning from him. I am taking it game by game. To be honest, I don’t like to talk too much on the field; I like to lead by my actions. I’m also very lucky to have a few senior players around me, which also helps me in this department,” said Marx.

His love for rugby started in primary school, but it was John Smit and the Springbok team of 2007 that really inspired Marx.

“After watching the Springboks lift the Rugby World Cup trophy in 2007, it inspired me to take rugby more seriously.

Today, one of my ultimate goals is to play in a Rugby World Cup. Performing for my franchise now is important as that is where you get seen and selected,” said Marx.

ZAIN DAVIDS on his season with the Blitzboks and place in the squad Zain Davids has come a long way since playing in the streets of Swellendam, where his love for rugby began. He is now a mainstay for the South African national sevens team.

“It has been really exciting. Something I can’t explain. It’s definitely an experience of a lifetime.

I like being part of the Blitzboks, because I’m not only surrounded by other good rugby players, but also by the most humble and respectful players I have met,” said Davids.

However, for the remainder of this year’s season, Davids will have to watch his team compete in the last two tournaments of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series from the sidelines, due to a shoulder injury.

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MYPLAYERS / THE BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS

With Davids focusing on recovery after shoulder surgery, he said that the thing he most enjoys doing besides rugby is, “Spending time with my family when I’m not out there doing adventurous things.”

The 22-year-old Davids still has a long career ahead of him. Despite experiencing a minor setback, he remains positive of reaching his future goals.

“I want to continue playing Sevens and then I want to see where I can get an opportunity to join any 15 men’s rugby franchise. But for now, I enjoy playing for the Blitzboks,” said Davids.

This young talent put up his hand, to show what impact he could make towards a team environment. As hard work pays off, Davids received the Best of the Bench title at the Players Awards, but gave all the recognition to his teammates.

“It was so special to get that award, but without my teammates it wouldn’t have been possible. We all have one goal in the team, so I just picked up the flag and kept going when I got my opportunity,” Davids concluded.

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THE 2018 BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARD WINNERS FORWARD OF THE YEAR

MALCOLM MARX

BACKLINE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND #LoveChange AWARD for the player that has made great strides in his rugby career

APHIWE DYANTYI DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT BEST OFF THE BENCH

ZAIN DAVIDS

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD

HACJIVAH DAYIMANI

THE BRIGHTROCK PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS / MYPLAYERS

HACJIVAH DAYIMANI on supporting the cause of woman abuse and his dancing skills Growing up with six sisters in the Cape Town suburb of Milnerton was always fun, according to Dayimani.

“Staying with different personalities in one house was sometimes challenging, but for some reason, we all just got along, and that’s so special. I love my sisters to bits,” said Dayimani.

At the BrightRock Players Choice Awards, Hacjivah scooped up the Fans’ Choice Award. He teamed up with celebrity partner Thomas Gumede, to campaign for this award and secured R50 000 for his chosen charity, Home of Hope, who assist young girls and women who are victims of sexual assault.

“I chose Home of Hope, because I grew up in a household full of sisters. Seeing girls who are victims of rape, prostitution and abuse in Johannesburg breaks my heart. I wouldn’t like such a thing to happen to one of my sisters, so I wanted to help them to get a second chance in life,” said Dayimani.

“I feel like regardless of who won that award, it was still going to make a difference in someone’s life and we all win indirectly by participating in such a cause. I’m just grateful that I was part of something bigger than me,” said Dayimani.

On the night of the awards, Dayimani also took to the stage to show off his rapping and dancing skills, stealing the hearts of the audience.

“I’m a big fan of Hip Hop and R&B music. I think I’m very good at dancing and on the rugby field I’m confusing the enemy. I started off as a dancer when I was young and stopped when I started playing rugby, but I think I’ve still got what it takes. I loved being part of the Players Choice Awards, because it’s driven by the players and we get to vote for each other, which also makes it a bit more fun,” Dayimani concluded.

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GERSHWONE SMITH / MYPLAYERS

FUN FACTS

ABOUT YOUR IQHAWE BURSARY WINNER GERSHWONE SMITH FROM THE EASTERN PROVINCE SIDE, A YOUNG AND UPCOMING TALENT, PARTICIPATED IN THE CARFIND.CO.ZA IQHAWE WEEK, WHERE HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION DID NOT GO UNSEEN. AS A RESULT, HE WAS SELECTED AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE MYPLAYERS IQHAWE BURSARY, WORTH UP TO R120 000.

The professional rugby players in South Africa – represented by MyPlayers – felt strongly about developing the game of rugby from grassroots level onwards.

The bursary funds will be allocated and monitored

by MyPlayers’ Player Development division, which will assist and support Gershwone to successfully complete his Matric and to kick-start his rugby career.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS W ABOUT HIM YOU DON’T KNO He is a grade 10 learner at Aliwal North High School, where his

FAVOURITE SUBJECT IS TOURISM.

HIS NICKNAME IS GERSHIE

HIS FAVOURITE RUGBY

and he likes to sit outside during break PLAYER IS MALAKAI FEKITOA time with his friends at school and and his favourite rugby team make jokes with is the Hurricanes. them.

When he grows up he wants to He was During school holidays he likes to PLAY FOR THE very happy PLAY TOUCH RUGBY AND SPRINGBOKS. to receive the PLAYSTATION.

HE LOVES PUMA and thinks his new rugby clothes are very cool. He said that he worked so hard for it, that he deserved it and will enjoy playing in the kit.

THANKS TO PUMA for not only supporting the professional rugby players but also for making sure that Gershwone is geared and ready for his rugby season at school level.

Apart from playing rugby he also likes to participate in ATHLETICS.

MYPLAYERS IQHAWE WEEK BURSARY and said that he would make use of every opportunity.

INTERESTING FACT!

In 2018, the professional rugby players in South Africa donated R435 000 towards the development of rugby, supported players who sustained catastrophic injuries and also sponsored events promoting exposure to the game.

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MYPLAYERS / MILPARK

THE BALANCING ACT Even though it is a myth that red-headed people have a fiery temperament, Sharks forward Philip van der Walt, is “on fire” when it comes to developing his skills and furthering his education as a means of preparing himself for the future when life after rugby begins. MYPLAYERS DID A QUESTION AND

ANSWER SESSION WITH THE MAN HIMSELF ABOUT BALANCING HIS PROFESSIONAL RUGBY CAREER WITH FAMILY LIFE AND MBA STUDIES.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO YOUR MBA? After completing my HR degree and Postgraduate Teaching Diploma at the University of the Free State, I looked forward to playing rugby without the stress of studies. I enjoyed hobbies such as woodwork, playing PlayStation with friends and more family time. As several years passed, I realised, as all rugby players do, that life after rugby was quickly approaching and it would definitely be in my best interest to further my studies. I wanted to increase the chances of a good work opportunity after my rugby career.

I have always enjoyed business but I was never really sure what extra qualifications would be suitable, until I saw the opportunity for a MyPlayers member, who qualified, to be granted a full MBA bursary with Milpark Education. I knew this was a great fit and an opportunity not to be missed.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR ONLINE STUDYING AND WHAT WORKED FOR YOU?

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I enjoyed the online studies. Milpark is a very responsive and supportive institution. The fact that the studies are online is highly beneficial to me, since I can work anytime and anywhere, and the lectures are also live and online.

I don’t have to go to a fixed venue for a class.

The first year has now passed and I have just tried to keep my head above water. The greatest challenges came from having to support my wife with a newborn baby, the expectations of me as a rugby player and managing my studies while often being in various countries and over busy weekends.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WITH MILPARK AND THEIR MBA COURSE SO FAR? Honestly, it has been a great challenge in terms of time management and the volume of work you have to cover. It is very hard to balance family life, rugby and a course as intense as this one. The course itself has been very interesting so far and I really feel I have learned a lot in only one year.

It is hard work, but it is worth it!

“ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY RUGBY PLAYERS, SHOULD EMPOWER THEMSELVES THROUGH EDUCATION.” – PHILIP VAN DER WALT

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO PLAY RUGBY, SPEND TIME WITH THE FAMILY AND STUDY AT THE SAME TIME? It has been very challenging. I leaned heavily on my wife Amandi who had to cope with most things by herself in order for me to be able to spend the necessary time on my studies and my rugby obligations.

I do believe the only way forward is to plan properly and work ahead of time so that when a quarterfinal in Christchurch and an exam happen at the same time, you can manage both responsibilities.

The art of proper planning and working ahead for me is still a work in progress, but I try my best.

WHAT ARE YOUR RUGBY GOALS FOR 2019?

I am currently recovering from a quad injury I sustained in a training session for the Japanese side Canon Eagles. On my return I would like to contribute to my team (the Cell C Sharks) as much as I can in our pursuit to win Super Rugby.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING FOR FUN? I always enjoy the opportunity to visit my parents on the farm where I grew up in Adelaide, Eastern Cape. My family and I enjoy hunting, water skiing and spending quality time together.

The last year there has been little free time, but I do enjoy making furniture from wood that my dad has prepared and kept for me on the farm. On a daily basis I enjoy swimming with my 17-monthold daughter, Alita, and when it’s an off weekend I enjoy visiting the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market.

“I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO MYPLAYERS AND MILPARK EDUCATION FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AS I’M VERY GRATEFUL FOR MY BURSARY.” – PHILIP VAN DER WALT

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PERSON WHO IS LOOKING TO SUCCEED IN LIFE? I believe that you need to work hard for what you want in life. In addition, I also think integrity, a good work ethic, humility, and a positive mindset are key characteristics to being successful.

I also believe the “why" in what you do is very important, as it is the driving force of all your efforts. All young people, especially rugby players, should empower themselves through education. No one can take your education away from you – it opens doors for you and makes you more employable.

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MYPLAYERS / MEET YOUR PART-TIME PDMs

GET TO KNOW YOUR

PART-TIME PDMs Remember the following names: Sally Joubert, Pieter van Zyl and Bandise Maku especially if you’re playing for the Cheetahs, Lions or Blue Bulls.

It’s official – we, along with your newly appointed part-time player development managers, will introduce the National Player Development programme to your unions. They will form part of your team by visiting and interacting with you during the week to develop and equip you for life outside of rugby.

THE MYPLAYERS TEAM GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THEM A LITTLE BETTER. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

SALLY JOUBERT sally@my-players.com Born and bred in Bloemfontein

CHEETAHS RUGBY UNION

B.Com in

B.Com Honours in

Currently completing

Human Resources

Industrial Psychology

Coaching for Development (University of Cape Town)

(University of Free State)

HOW SALLY IDENTIFIES WITH A CHEETAH: Cheetahs are part of the smaller cat family and only standing 1.68m tall, Sally can relate.

HER MESSAGE TO THE CHEETAHS PLAYERS

Cheetahs are social animals. She loves

Like the Cheetah, meat is her staple food. Biltong and steak is the secret to stop her from babbling.

people.

WHATEVER LIFTS THE CORNERS OF YOUR MOUTH, TRUST THAT. You’ve only got one life, so make sure that you do what you are passionate about. Oh, and goooooo Free State!

THIS OR THAT Simba or Lay’s?

Lay’s. I would sell my left pinky finger, especially for the Caribbean Onion & Balsamic Vinegar flavoured ones.

Big party or small gathering?

Small gathering I believe in quality over quantity

Save or spend?

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Save, so I can spend big when I want to!

Paper or plastic?

Listening to...

P!nk - Walk Me Home

Wine

Facebook

Cardio or weights?

iOS or Android?

Cardio

Android all the way.

Paper

Beer or wine?

Instagram or Facebook?

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert

Streaming or live TV? Streaming

Soccer or cricket?

Cricket

Dishes

Text or talk?

Text

What’s worse: being too warm or too cold?

Too warm

What’s worse: laundry or dishes?

Cats or dogs?

Don’t make me choose!

Vegetables or meat?

Meat… what are vegetables?

MEET YOUR PART-TIME PDMs / MYPLAYERS

WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO? HOST WORKSHOPS TO TEACH LIFE SKILLS ON: • Finance 101

• Personal Mastery

• Provide them with player transition support for life after rugby.

• Public Speaking

• Creating awareness about anti-doping

• Time Management

• Provide career planning and support.

• Give players access to relating specialist support and counselling.

• Computer Skills

• Monitor and assist players who are MyPlayers Bursary Programme holders.

• Develop a personal individual plan for each player.

BANDISE MAKU bandise@my-players.com Born and raised in King William’s Town

BLUE BULLS RUGBY UNION

Former Blue Bulls player and was also

Currently studying

BA in Pscychology & Marketing

employed there.

(University of Witwatersrand)

He played for both the

Kings and Lions at senior level.

HOW BANDISE IDENTIFIES WITH A BULL: A bull is protective of its circle. Bandise stands up for the people who he cares about.

A bull is a muscular animal.

Bandise is a strong and well-built man.

HER MESSAGE TO THE BLUE BULLS PLAYERS

I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU GUYS AS A GROUP AND ALSO ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL. I’m so excited to help you with your development as player in any capacity,

THIS OR THAT Listening to...

Simba or Lay’s?

Jay-Z - The Story of OJ

Simba

Big party or small gathering?

Small gathering

Save or spend?

Save

Paper or plastic?

Paper

Beer or wine?

Wine

Cardio or weights?

Weights

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert

Instagram or Facebook?

Instagram

iOS or Android? iOS

Streaming or live TV? Streaming

Soccer or cricket?

Soccer

Text or talk?

Text

What’s worse: being too warm or too cold?

Too cold

What’s worse: laundry or dishes?

Dishes

Cats or dogs?

Dogs

Vegetables or meat?

Meat

17

MYPLAYERS / MEET YOUR PART-TIME PDMs

PIETER VAN ZYL pieter@my-players.com Works as a

Degree in

Theology

LIONS RUGBY UNION

He is a certified

Life and Personal Development Coach

Ironman Coach

who trains athletes and also takes up long distance running

in schools, sporting teams and big corporations

HOW SALLY IDENTIFIES WITH A LION: A lion’s mane is its pride. Pieter is just like a lion, proud of his

A pride of lions is always together. Pieter likes to

hair and beard.

HIS MESSAGE TO THE LIONS PLAYERS

Lions are carnivores and

Pieter also loves his meat!

have people around him.

IN ORDER TO SUCCEED, YOUR DESIRE FOR SUCCESS MUST BE GREATER THAN YOUR FEAR OF LOSING!

THIS OR THAT Listening to...

Simba or Lay’s?

Spoegwolf - Koma

Lay’s

Big party or small gathering?

Love both

Save or spend?

Spend

Paper or plastic?

Cardio or weights?

Cardio

Paper

Beer or wine?

Both

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert

Instagram or Facebook?

Instagram

Soccer or cricket?

Cricket

What’s worse: laundry or dishes?

Dishes

iOS or Android?

Text or talk?

Cats or dogs?

iOS

Talk

Dogs

Streaming or live TV? Streaming

What’s worse: being too warm or too cold?

Too warm

Vegetables or meat?

Always meat

WHY ARE THEY AT YOUR UNION? THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT AS A PLAYER.

A BETTER PERSON = A BETTER PLAYER = BETTER PERFORMANCE PLEASE NOTE We are still in the process of appointing part-time player development managers at the Sharks Rugby Union and at The Southern Kings.

18

Hilana Claassens, the National Player Development Manager of MyPlayers, will be in charge at the Western Province Rugby Union as well as all the smaller unions.

MEET YOUR PART-TIME PDM’S / EDUCATIONAL

MYPLAYERS / EIGHTEEN COFFEE

WHEN PLAYERS TAKE A COFFEE SCALE, TWO DIFFERENT GRINDERS AND SIX PACKETS OF COFFEE BEANS WITH THEM ON TOUR TO SET-UP A COFFEE STAND IN THEIR ROOM – YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT THEY’RE A SERIOUS COFFEE LOVERS. MyPlayers caught up with Blitzboks Philip Snyman, Cecil Afrika and Kyle Brown at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport to find out more about their new coffee business – Eighteen Coffee.

EMBARKING ON THE COFFEE ADVENTURE PHILIP: Long story short, I sat next to a guy on

the plane on our way back from the Sevens Rugby World Cup last year. We started to chat with each other and he told me that he was closely following our squad and that he read up about us. He saw that some of the guys, including myself, really liked and enjoyed our coffee.

He told me about a roastery which he bought for his son and that I should really come visit it one day to have a look. Weeks went by and I never went. One day I decided to go and I met up with his son.

I always wanted to start a small business, so my wife told me to make work of my plans. That same night I messaged Kyle and Cecil and said that I needed to discuss something with them the following morning. The next morning, we met up and that, in a nutshell, is how Eighteen Coffee was born.

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THE SECRET BEHIND THE NAME PHILIP: My friend’s wife is a graphic designer,

based in Klerksdorp. We said that we wanted to start this business venture and that we wanted to go with The Coffee Collection Company as the name.

KYLE: That was our first name, but I didn’t like it.

PHILIP: I spoke to one of my mentors about our

name. He said to me that perhaps we should be a bit more creative and play around with our name a bit more because our name sounded just like the names of other coffee companies. We had to find a name which differentiated us from others.

We took the numbers of our jerseys: 2, 6 and 10.

That adds up to 18. My friend suggested Eighteen Coffee and we loved it. It attached something beautiful to our brand. We also said that the perfect double shot of espresso is 18g. We happened to launch our coffee product in 2018, so that’s how our story came together.

EIGHTEEN COFFEE / MYPLAYERS

EXPERIENCE A KICK-START TO YOUR DAY CECIL: Our coffee is quite unique. You don’t have to be coffee

lovers like Kyle and Philip, who measure and weigh their coffee, to get the same quality out of our beans as what they do. I think that’s probably the biggest reason why our coffee is different – it’s suitable for everyone and why not have a cup of Eighteen to start your day off right?

KYLE: It’s an easy type of coffee to drink every day. It’s kind of our journey, so if you want to join in and be part of

it, you’re more than welcome.

THE COFFEE COMMUNITY LOCAL AND ABROAD PHILIP: If we’ve got time off on tour, we take to the streets trying

to find the best coffee in the town. We love to go to coffee shops because it takes our mind away from things happening on the rugby field. Vancouver and Sydney have really good coffee available. Each one of us have our favourite coffee shop around the world. It’s like good wine, there isn’t only one.

KYLE: We are not scared to say that there are also great coffee

shops in South Africa. It’s not a competitive environment; it’s a nice community. I think that it’s just something we want to be part of and I’m so happy to tell you that there are also many other people making great coffee out there.

THE PILOT BLEND OF EIGHTEEN COFFEE PHILIP: For the greater coffee community out there,

we have created a well-rounded coffee blend – The Pilot. Our blend consists of a South American origin, which gives you the rich earthy flavours and the chocolate taste. There is also a bit of Africa, with beans from Ethiopia and Kenya, which bring out the acidity and fruitiness.

ORDERING EIGHTEEN COFFEE AND GOING ONLINE CECIL: People can get it at the KwikSpar near Paul Roos or in the boot of Kyle Brown’s car.

KYLE: At the end of April, hopefully sooner, we

will have an online portal.

CECIL: We were struggling with the name of our blend.

PHILIP: You can place an order of two bags from

PHILIP: But it was actually just so simple.

anywhere in South Africa and we will get your bags to you without any cost.

KYLE: If the pilot or trailer of a movie series doesn’t

work, you just cut the series. But if it works, you hope for a second episode. That’s how we decided to introduce our first blend.

21

MYPLAYERS / EXALT RECOVERY PRODUCTS

EXCELLING

OFF THE FIELD

EXPLORING LIFE OUTSIDE OF RUGBY, USING HIS PASSION AND DESIRE TO DEVELOP HIS BUSINESS SKILLS AND WANTING TO ESTABLISH HIS BRAND IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN MARKET.

MyPlayers chatted to our provincial representative of the Blue Bulls, Jesse Kriel, about his game-changing brand – Exalt Sports.

TAKING ON A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE Speaking of an action-packed training schedule, Kriel can tell you a thing or two about the stiffness and soreness of muscles, before heading back for yet another session at Loftus Versfeld to prepare for his next match.

Kriel and a good friend of his share the same approach towards recovery, but they weren’t satisfied with the product they were using. They decided to develop a product range and to establish their own business.

“Epsom salt forms part of my recovery process, but the product that I’ve been using wasn’t very effective. I spoke to a good friend of mine, Jacus Coetzee, who’s also the strength and conditioning coach at the Blue Bulls. He is also a firm believer in Epsom salt for recovery and we wanted to create a better, more effective brand, so that’s when we decided to start with Exalt,” said Kriel.

Exalt only launched recently and already have a number of established products on the market. “We already have four products. They are the Magnesium Dead Sea Flakes, Sooth & Sleep, Muscle Soak and the very popular Energize,” said Kriel.

22

EXALT RECOVERY PRODUCTS / MYPLAYERS “In our product range we make use of real, pure, quality epsom salt, which we source overseas. We import it to South Africa and then we make and pack all our products here,” Kriel continued.

THE RECOVERYPROCESS Kriel emphasises the need for recovery in the dayto-day life of a professional athlete.

“The difference for us is that if our bodies are not fully recovered for the next day’s training, then we can’t train to our maximal potential. It’s important for me to get good results out of training, as it sets the tone for the weekend’s match. I trust our Exalt products to help me with my recovery process. You can add a cup of any of our four Exalt products into your bath and soak in it for 20 minutes,” said Kriel.

“Recovery time is when I shift the focus to myself a bit. It’s then that I watch clips of my opposition and do my homework on them, while at the same time enjoying a recovery session so that I can be ready for the next day,” Kriel added.

THE MISSION AND FACES BEHIND EXALT

will also be joining the Exalt team, as she is about to start using our recovery products,” said Kriel.

EXPANDING THE BRAND Exalt products can currently be found on their online shop, but what the future might hold is a journey they are excited to embark on.

“We are also going to partner with a supplement chain, Xtreme Nutrition South Africa, as they will be stocking our products. Then we’re also working on getting our products into some chain stores. But for now, people can find us online, where our online store is up and running. There are really exciting times ahead and I’m excited to see what we can do with this brand,” said Kriel.

In the long run they want to go abroad to explore the overseas markets.

“We recently launched, so we want to establish ourselves in the South African market first, but we definitely want to get our brand exposed to the overseas market,” Kriel concluded.

Kriel and Coetzee are both people who want to excel further within the business world and not only in their sporting careers. As a young brand, Exalt is already backed by some big names in the sporting world.

“We’ve got some really awesome ambassadors who support our brand. Names like IBO cruiserweight world champion, Kevin Lerena, who’s a great boxer.

Springboks with the likes of Handré Pollard, Warrick Gelant and Lood de Jager also back our products. But I’m really excited to announce that Caster Semenya

THE MYPLAYERS TEAM WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE JESSE ON STARTING HIS OWN BUSINESS WITH JACUS. ALL THE BEST WITH THIS NEW ENDEAVOUR.

23

MyPlayers Association Partnership Wits DigitalCampus is proud to partner with MyPlayers.

Develop the business acumen necessary to embark on a successful career, post rugby.

Boost your professional potential with an online course from Wits DigitalCampus.

Discounts offered to MyPlayers members: 10% off the course fees of any single course 15% off the course fees of any second course 20% off the course fees of any third course OR obtain a 20% discount on any of the following package deals when paid for upfront: Business Management Principles of Business Management (Core) Basic Business Accounting (Core) Business Communication Skills or Managing Labour Relations (Elective) Project Management Principles of Project Management (Core) Advanced Project Management (Core) Principles of Business Management/ Basic Business Accounting (Elective) Accounting & Business Management Basic Business Accounting (Core) Financial Management of a Business Operation (Core) Principles of Business Management/ Managing Labour Relations (Elective) Marketing & Customer Relationship Building Principles of Marketing (Core) Applied Digital Marketing (Core) Customer Relationship Building (Core)

To see all the courses on offer, go to www.digitalcampus.co.za To register, contact Michelle Phipson, Business Development Executive on michellep@digitalcampus.co.za quoting the promo code ‘MyPlayers’ or for further details, contact Hilana Claassens, Player Development Manager, on 071 470 4901 or hilana@my-players.com

SHORT-TERM INSURANCE PRODUCTS / MYPLAYERS

YOUR

INSURANCE SOLUTION OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH SANTAM

MYPLAYERS ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH SANTAM TO PROVIDE YOU, THE PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYERS IN SOUTH AFRICA, WITH SHORT-TERM INSURANCE SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS.

OUR EXCLUSIVE OFFERING TO YOU YOU WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES FROM SANTAM:

A 24 / 7 CLAIMS and EMERGENCY HELPLINE FREE ADDITIONAL SOS SERVICES (Roadside assistance, route and home drive assistance, medical and trauma assistance, home assistance and legal assistance) DEDICATED MYPLAYERS CALL CENTRE ASSISTANCE

WANT TO SPEAK TO A CONSULTANT TO GET A QUOTE?

1. CALL

021 944 7179

OR EMAIL SANTAM

2. PRESS # 3. REFERENCE MyPlayers

myplayers@santam.co.za

MAKE USE OF WHY WHAT SHORT-TERM INSURANCE DO YOU NEED TO

TO PROTECT YOU FROM

NATURAL DISASTERS Such as hail, floods and thunderstorms.

CAN YOU INSURE

HOME CONTENT Televisions, refrigerators, training equipment, etc.

BURGLARY OR THEF Failed security measurements at your

PERSONAL BELONGINGS Cellphones, rings, watches, etc.

home or at your business.

VEHICLES Cars, motorcycles and boats, etc.

DAMAGE OR ACCIDENTS Having to deal with damage to appliances due to load shedding or with an accident such as a crash involving vehicles.

BUILDINGS You can insure your house or business (walls, paving, swimming pools) against unexpected and unusual events such as a natural disaster.

YOU CAN ALSO ASK THE PLAYER REPRESENTATIVE AT YOUR UNION TO PROVIDE YOU WITH MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE MYPLAYERS AND SANTAM PARTNERSHIP. Santam ensures affordable and quality cover, insurance that is easy to understand, personalised premiums and stress-free excess. MyPlayers are proud to be associated with Santam to provide you, the South African professional rugby players, with the best short-term insurance solutions. Santam is an authorized financial services provider (license number 3416).

25

MYPLAYERS / CONCUSSION WITH PAT LAMBIE AND PETER GRANT

A NEW

CHAPTER

One too many knocks to the head can lead to serious head injuries. It can either cost you retirement from the game or you can run the risk of facing permanent brain damage. In 2019 concussion shifted into the spotlight and became one of the hottest talking points in the rugby fraternity.

A NUMBER OF HIGH-PROFILE PLAYERS WERE ADVISED

BY SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE WORLD TO ANNOUNCE THEIR RETIREMENT AS THEIR CONDITIONS COULD HAVE LED TO SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES.

FORMER SPRINGBOKS PATRICK LAMBIE AND PETER GRANT ARE TWO PLAYERS AFFECTED BY CONCUSSION WHO RECENTLY ENDED THEIR RUGBY CAREERS. THEY SPOKE TO MYPLAYERS ABOUT THEIR RETIREMENT FROM THE GAME AND EMBRACING THIS NEW CHAPTER WITH THEIR FAMILIES.

PATRICK LAMBIE ON HIS TIME AT RACING 92.

“Meeting new players, making new friends, playing in new competitions, and living in Paris has all made for an awesome experience. I will look back on this time in France with very fond memories.”

HIS FAVOURITE MEMORY IN THE SPRINGBOK JERSEY. “The first moment running onto the field in a Springbok jersey stands out. It was dark, cold and wet in Dublin, and all my senses were heightened. Nerves, adrenaline, excitement all at once, and my heart pumping like never before.”

THE LESSONS PROFESSIONAL SPORT HAS TAUGHT HIM. “There are a number of lessons professional sport has shown me, such as the people skills required to integrate and flourish in a team environment, the importance of respect and how you treat people, that good habits encourage positive results, and how to make decisions under pressure. The highs and lows are unpredictable and often follow very closely after one another, which serves as a reminder of the importance of the people you depend on for support.”

THE IMPACT OF CONCUSSION INJURIES AND THE DECISION WHICH LED TO HIS RETIREMENT. “The problem for me is not so much how many concussions I have suffered, but the length of time my post-concussion symptoms lasted for. They were getting longer after each head trauma – a concerning trend. I have seen several specialists from around the world, and their advice has all been the same. This makes retirement a little easier to accept.”

CONCUSSION EDUCATION FOR THE PLAYERS. “Players are well educated. It’s more about accepting concussion as a serious injury where there might still be room for improvement. The oldschool mentality of dusting yourself off and playing through an injury to be seen as a hero needs to be ignored and forgotten when it comes to head injuries.”

26

MYPLAYERS / CONCUSSION WITH PAT LAMBIE AND PETER GRANT

WHY MANY PLAYERS DOWNPLAY AND IGNORE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION AS HE DID DURING THE SEMI-FINAL IN THE 2018 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP CUP. “It was very silly to downplay my head injury. I should never have done that. I’m also very lucky not to have done more serious damage. I think because I was in combat mode at the height of competition, at the business end of the tournament, I did not want to miss out. Subconsciously, I probably thought it would be the end for me if I went off for another head knock. And I wanted to deny that reality. I hope there is a message here for other sportsmen and sportswomen that no game of rugby or competition in any sport is worth your health, especially your head.”

FUTURE PLANS FOR LIFE AFTER RUGBY. “My immediate future will be consumed with getting over the last few symptoms of postconcussion, and using this time to assess any options in the business world.”

THE ARRIVAL OF HIS AND WIFE KATE’S FIRST CHILD IN JUNE. “I am extremely excited to become a Dad! It is such a blessing and something that I am so looking forward to. 2019 has turned into a year of change, lots of it. I hope to embrace it all.”

HIS TIME AT THE WESTERN FORCE. “My time at the Force has been memorable. In my first season there we had tough results. We improved and during our last year of Super Rugby we played some of our best rugby. It was a stressful year with all the uncertainty of staying in the competition, but our team showed character winning some big games under the circumstances and I made some great friends.”

WHERE DID HIS LOVE FOR RUGBY START. “I think it was easy growing up in South Africa to fall in love with rugby. But my dad was a big influence. He took me to go watch Sharks games at Jonsson Kings Park.

Watching guys play live, like Henry Honiball, André Joubert, Gary Teichmann, and Mark Andrews just to name a few.”

LESSONS RUGBY HAS TAUGHT HIM. “That hard work pays off and that means making sacrifices. Also, teamwork can be so powerful and key to success.”

HIGHLIGHTS IN THE SPRINGBOK AND STORMERS JERSEY. “My highlight with the Springboks would be my debut Tri-Nations tour to Sydney and Christchurch. For the Stormers, the 2010 and 2012 seasons for me were exceptional and being in the Super Rugby final in 2010.”

THE RETIREMENT FROM RUGBY DUE TO CONCUSSION INJURIES. “When I received the news, it was a big shock. For the first few weeks, I struggled to come to terms with the situation. I took a big step away from rugby and spent a lot of time with family which has helped immensely. And now I’m excited for what’s next.”

WHETHER PLAYERS SHOULD BE MORE EDUCATED ON HEAD INJURIES. “Yes, absolutely. Concussion has become a hot topic. Players need to know the risks and they need to take care of themselves.”

LIFE AFTER RUGBY AND SPENDING MORE FAMILY TIME. “Right now, I’m still exploring a few options. Rugby is always going to be a part of my future with two young boys who I really hope will enjoy rugby as much as I have. I’ve been spending more time with my family and it’s been fantastic. I owe a lot to my wife who has followed me around the world. Every day spent with my kids is a gift and I treasure it so much.

They are a real blessing.”

27

MEDICAL / CONCUSSION WITH PETER GRANT AND PAT LAMBIE

CONCUSSION PROTOCOL / MYPLAYERS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A

CONCUSSION WHAT DO YOU AS A PLAYER NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR? Dazed, vacant or blank expression Unsteady on feet Lying motionless on the ground or very slow to get up Balance problems or falling over Poor coordination Loss of consciousness or lack of responsiveness Confused or not aware of plays or events Grabbing or clutching the head Convulsions More emotional or irritable

Source of information: BokSmart

WHAT DO YOU AS A PLAYER NEED TO TELL YOUR TEAM DOCTOR? Headache Dizziness Confusion or feeling slowed down Struggling with or blurred vision Nausea or vomiting Fatigue Drowsy, feeling in a fog or difficulty concentrating A feeling of pressure in the head Sensitivity to light or noise Memory loss of events before, during, or after the game or practice

29

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