Junior Kulube’s passion for rugby was ignited by his late aunt, who loved the sport. Ten years later, he’s a force to be reckoned with on the field, playing fly-half for Heron Bridge College’s first team.
He credits dedication, hard work, and perseverance for his achievements, but mostly his late aunt.
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“I started playing for her, and it turned into a sport I love. Now, I play for myself, my team, and my community.”
He said his experience playing for Heron Bridge College’s first team has been transformative.
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“It’s been the best experience. Our coaching staff pushes us to our limits, and it’s not just about winning. We focus on improving as a team, respecting each other, and being better men to our community.”
As a fly-half, he said his role requires quick thinking, strategic decision-making, and calmness under pressure – things he loves to do.
“It’s all about teamwork and setting goals for myself for every game. I need to understand the game, identify weaknesses in the other team, and select when and where to run moves.
“It’s my job to make these decisions,” he said.
Balancing rugby and academics can be challenging, but Junior credits his support system for helping him manage his time effectively.
“It can be difficult at times to balance rugby with my academic requirements but with the help of my tutor and parents, I am able to manage. I also try to motivate myself to have a back up plan after rugby.”
When asked about his goals, Junior’s eyes light up. He said for short-term, he wants to improve his passing, tackling, and kicking skills.
“My long-term goal is that I hope to play professionally,” he said while adding that recognition for his achievements motivates him to work harder. “It feels great, but I know I have more to achieve.”
His advice to aspiring rugby players is simple, yet profound. “Be consistent, commit to your goals, be patient, disciplined, and have faith in God.”
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