Lentoor, who has bid farewell to the Reiger Park outfit to go back to his home town, finished as United’s top try-scorer. He spoke to us about the past season and a certain All Black icon…
Where are you from?
King William’s Town.
Which high school did you go to?
Hoërskool De Vos Malan.
How’s the life of being one of the top rugby players in Boksburg?
It was a great experience to be one of the top players.
If there was anything you could change about the past season, what would it be?
To get myself to be more competitive in games.
I recently interviewed Boksburg centre David Woolls and I asked him who his toughest direct opponent was this past season. He said it was you because of your pace. Who would you say was your toughest opponent this past campaign?
Kyle Hendricks. He plays 15 for Vereeniging. He’s an ex-Valke player and he’s very good.
You’ve defied the notion that rugby is a big man’s sport with your consistently top performances. How do you make it work, considering that you’re one of the smaller players in the league?
If your heart is in the game you will play it and you won’t be scared to play against bigger opponents.
How tough was it for you personally and the team to lose the league final right at the end?
It was very sad to lose the final at the last minute.
You’ve had some great moments this year – which one would you say stood out the most for you?
To win the semi-final against Brakpan.
You’ve also had some tough moments – which one felt like rock bottom?
The final against Vereeniging.
How and when did you start playing the game?
I started playing the game at the age of 11. I had to choose between rugby and athletics. It was a hard one for me because my heart was in both of them.
Take me through some of your top achievements in the game.
I played Border since I was 13, played Craven Week, at the age of 19 I played Currie Cup and u-21, and the following year I played senior.
You’ve played numerous backline positions for ERU – which is your favourite playing position?
Fullback.
Who’s the joker in the squad?
Jackie Jonker.
I think it’s safe to say that you were the fastest in the squad – who’s the strongest?
Fanie van Staden.
Who’s your favourite professional rugby player and why?
Daniel Carter. I always watch his videos; he’s like a mentor to me.
Who’s your favourite player in the league and why?
Myself, because I always motivate myself to be the best.
Which team do you support?
All Blacks and WP.
Will we see you in an East Rand United jumper next year?
No, I’m taking a break from the game next year to build myself for the following year.
Which other rugby teams have you played for?
Swallows RFC, Africans RFC, Buffs RFC and Cambridge RFC.
Quick facts:
- Lentoor recently became a father for the first time to a boy, CJ Daniel Claasen.
- His 100m personal best time is 11.10 seconds.
- He finished as United’s top try-scorer this past season with 15 tries.
