Amiras looks for experience in the Currie Cup

This year is all about gaining as much experience as possible for Brakpan’s Michael Amiras who recently made his Currie Cup debut for the Griquas.

The loose forward played at the Free State Stadium against the Cheetahs in his side’s 30-20 defeat.

“As a young South African schoolboy, you always harbour dreams to play rugby in South Africa, and I think to play the Currie Cup is a dream come true,” he said.

Although it was in a losing effort, Amiras was happy to get that first match under his belt.

“Making your debut, you are quite nervous. You don’t want to disappoint the coaches and your teammates so even though you are nervous, you need to focus on your game,” he said.

The 22-year-old Brakpan born and raised player is back in the country after spending 2021 playing in Russia for Slava Moscow.

“It was a good experience (playing in Russia) but the language barrier was a bit difficult. So it was a challenge to work with coaches and teammates,” he told the Herald.

“But it was still a good experience for me.”
Amiras is working hard to play a vital role in the Griquas side and he is not looking too far ahead.

“I think at the moment I enjoy being with the Griquas in Kimberley so I can’t say where I’ll be in a few years,” he said.

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While playing for the Springboks is every player’s ambition, the youngster is not getting ahead of himself.

“Obviously, there is still a lot of work that needs to be put in from my side and there’s a lot of competition in South Africa,” said the flank.

He believes the key to him competing against the best loose forwards in South Africa is gaining experience.

“I want to get as many caps as possible. I want to get in a position where I’m going out onto the field regularly so that’s the goal for this year. I want to get used to that pressure of being out there on the field with senior players,” he said.

Amiras also told the Herald how he decided to join the Griquas.

“When I was overseas with the whole set-up, I wasn’t very happy. Coach Pieter Bergh sent me a message. When you are unhappy in a different country, it’s very easy to say yes to coming back. You want to have an opportunity in South Africa.

“With the Griquas enjoying a good last season, finishing third on the log, it was not that difficult to take the offer,” said the young player.

While his time in Russia was not the most pleasant, Amiras does believe that he gained valuable experience.

“The rugby in Russia is not very skilful, but it is very physical so I think in that aspect I grew a bit,” he said.

“Always work hard, work towards your dreams and enjoy it because you never know when your last game is. Injuries happen every day, so just work hard and enjoy every moment,” advised the Currie Cup player to youngsters who wish to play rugby professionally.