Getting to know the Boksburg Rugby Club president

The Advertiser visited charismatic Boksburg Rugby Club president Lex Thorpe at the club’s headquarters in Boksburg.

Thorpe, known for his animating stance on the sidelines, discussed his rich history with the club and what he’d like to see from the club’s senior side among other topics.

I understand you’re part of a long family line as Boksburg Rugby Club members; who are some of your family members who were part of the club?

My father and my uncle.

Did you play the game yourself?

Yes from u-9 as a tighthead prop.

How long have you been part of the club?

I became a member in 1979 and played around 300 games between 1980 and 2000.

You’re also, of course, the president of the club; when did you take over the office?

Seven years ago; I was previously just a board member.

What type of challenges does club rugby face?

Money. The game was more like a family thing in the 70s and 80s but players go to where the money is nowadays.

Another problem is that there are too many clubs which has triggered the stealing of players and thus killing competition.

What’s your most memorable moment here at the club?

It was three to four years ago when we were the wild card in the Community Cup. We were also awarded the Valke Club of the Year award that year.

What would you say is the worst moment here at the club?

It must be 2017 – we lost far too many games.

Where are you from?

I was born in Cape Town, stayed in the Free State but have spent 90 per cent of my life in Boksburg.

Which high school and tertiary institution did you go to?

I went to Hoërskool Voortrekker then moved on to Goudstad Educators’ College. I also studied with UNISA.

I understand you’re a teacher by profession; where do you teach?

LSEN School in Kempton Park. I’m also an executive member of the LSEN Rugby Union.

What do you do in your spare time?

I farm a little bit; I have a few cattle. It’s a hobby and passion.

How many children do you have?

Two boys, 24 and 22, who both played for the second team.

Who is your current favourite player in the squad and why?

There’s a few but I’d say Willem Botes. He plays with heart and guts. He respects his elders, fellow players, opponents and coaches. He has no problem with anyone; he always goes about his business and he would share a beer with his teammates after games and leave in peace.

Who is your all-time favourite Owls player and why?

Jan Celliers. He’s late. We played a lot of games together; we respected each other; we respected opponents and buggered them as well. He always played to the best of his ability.

Which professional team do you support and how did you start supporting it?

The Lions through my uncle; in the 70s he took me to Ellis Park and introduced me to the players. I even got to go in the locker rooms.

What is wrong with the Springboks in your opinion and how can they be fixed?

Firstly, players should come through the ranks naturally from ground level; secondly, don’t enforce a quota. I’m all for the quota system but players must be selected on merit. If a player is good enough, he should play. We also need to find a game plan and stick to it. The coach must be surrounded by a better management team. Lastly, Eben Etzebeth is a great player but he is not a captain, we need a captain with leadership skills.

Who is your all-time favourite Springbok and why?

De Wet Ras who played 10 from Free State and tighthead prop Tommie Laubscher who was killed in a motor accident; one of the best tightheads in my opinion.

What would you like to see from the team this season?

Competitiveness and players playing with pride for Boksburg, not themselves. I want them to play for the club and one another, the rest will follow. – @SabeloBoksburg