Westville Old Boys’ Tyron tackles his life goals

TYRON Tarpey’s prowess on the rugby field, as well as his ambitious and easy-going character off the pitch, culminated in him receiving the Player of the Year award for 2019.

He grew up in a rugby-loving family and has been hooked on the sport for as long as he can remember.

Tyron was an avid sportsman when he matriculated from Westville Boys’ High School in 2011 and was excited to join up the Westville Old Boys’ Rugby Club (WOB) when he returned to Durban after he completed his studies.

Living in Hillcrest, he is a physiotherapist at The Sharks Medical Centre (which is open to the public) and admitted that while he thoroughly enjoys the social aspect of the club rugby games, he would like to branch out into a sporting aspect of physiotherapy.

“In Grade 11 I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to study so I took an aptitude test and made the choice to move into health sciences. I really love the problem-solving around why someone is sore, building relationships with clients and ultimately helping them with their difficulties. It is just so rewarding,” he said.

He plays open side flank (number 6) for WOB as it allows him to really get stuck into each and every game.

“Rugby is a safe space where you have the competition aspect and there is skill involved. You have to know how your team plays as well as your own strengths. It is a great physical and mental contest. The culture around it is also pretty great as there is a whole community behind you. The rivalries just add to the atmosphere,” he laughed.

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“During the game you may make a few enemies but I’ve never walked off the field angry with someone. By the time the final whistle blows it ends right there and the person you may have had an issue with is usually the first person you buy a drink for once the game is done,” said Tyron.

To add a feather into WOB’s cap, this year was the first time anyone from their league had made it into the semi-finals of the Murray Cup.

“I do hope to have us, one day, move into the premiership league. I would definitely like to continue playing and then help out on the physio side while just growing the club in general,” he said.

While many may say rugby is a dangerous sport, it is not the reason behind many of Tyron’s broken bones. His more serious injuries happened at a young age on the playground and, later on in life, on the basketball court or during trail runs.

Outside of work he is quite active as he hits the beach, goes for a hike or, if he has the spare time, is enveloped in PC games.

Rugby players are known to be all rough and tough, but his softer side was revealed when the 26-year-old recently proposed to his long-term girlfriend, Toni Orr, on the beachfront. The couple look forward to tying the knot in 2021.

“I just want to say a big thank you to our club’s chairman, Johan Stander, or Oom, and our coach, Rob Scott. Also, to my mom and dad for their constant support and for guiding me,” said Tyron.

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