If one wanted to spot an example of a signal of intent ahead of a sporting season, then look no further than the Brakpan Rugby Club.
The local side has acquired a big name in the form of former Springbok Jacques Potgieter.
The man who has represented the Bulls, Sharks and the Waratahs at Super Rugby level joins Brakpan for the 2020 season.
“I’ve always been one of the guys who wants to give back to the community and the younger guys. Just to teach the guys what I’ve learnt over the past 15 years playing professional rugby,” he told the Herald.
“A team like Brakpan is always nice to give back to. And they are such a nice bunch of guys who are really hungry to play. We really want to have a good season and all the guys are sticking to each other and believing in each other. It’s just awesome to be here.”
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Potgieter joins Brakpan after the club’s new head coach, Reggie Muller, invited him to join the team at Bosman Stadium.
“We (Potgieter and Muller) played together for five years at the Sharks (junior rugby). When he became coach he asked me to give him one season so we can work together again. I said ‘yes, no problem’, I’ll do anything,” explained the forward.
Although Potgieter is representing Brakpan this year, he plans on continuing his professional career for Japanese side Munakata Sanix Blues at the end of the year.
Although it is obvious the former Bok is a big signing for Brakpan, the 1.94m-tall loose forward/lock does not really look at himself as a marquee signing.
“I’m just an old-school type of guy who wants to enjoy my rugby. Doesn’t matter if I play in the park with my friends or at home on a piece of grass or Brakpan or at the Bulls in front of 40 000 people. I just want to play rugby. I’m very passionate about rugby and I want to play,” he said.
So what are Potgieter’s goals for Brakpan?
“Just to be the best team guy I can be, to lead by example and to inspire other teammates to bring out the best in themselves and to always believe in themselves,” he said.
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He also asked local rugby fans to come out in numbers to support the club, saying, “There are great things happening this year at Brakpan Rugby Club.
“We want the whole community to buy into the rugby club,” said the man who spent two seasons playing for the Waratahs in Australia.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za
or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za
or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za
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