Pumas’ try-scoring hooker, Simon Westraadt, swaps the Lowveld for Siberia

“It’s been the pinnacle of my career to play almost 60 games for the Pumas. I’m going to miss it; I was very sad to say goodbye to the team and support staff last week. I must admit, I did shed a tear,” the 35-year-old, 108kg hooker, Simon Westraadt, told Lowvelder while he was waiting to board a flight at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday.

Westraadt has signed with Russian rugby club Enisei-STM. He arrived in Krasnoyarsk (Siberia), via Doha and Moscow, on Wednesday.

He played his 53rd match for the NNC Pumas against the Tafel Lager Griquas two weeks ago.

Westraadt played for Enisei two years ago for two months on a short-term loan from the Pumas. Any chance of a long-term contract was ended by a torn bicep and he returned to Mbombela.

“It was always a dream of mine to play overseas. At the age of 35, I thought this was my last opportunity, so I decided to take it. It was time to follow my dream. I signed a one-year contract with the option to extend to another one year.”

Westraadt had been with the Pumas since 2015. In that time he had played 53 matches and scored 14 tries. Eight of those were scored this season.

“I always gave my all at the Pumas. I was blessed to be part of the team. Coach Jimmy (Stonehouse) and coach Corné (Steenkamp) really gave me a chance over the past two years. It’s meant the world to me. It’s been the best time of my life,” said Westraadt.

Two highlights of his career at the Pumas were running out for his 50th match and the remarkable 2021 Currie Cup season.

“We were so close to making the semi-finals. Being able to have such a good season with the boys was special.”

In the twilight of his rugby career, Westraadt is at ease with his immediate rugby future.

“I have always taken it year by year. I listen to my body. I have been very blessed to have played this long with no serious long-term injuries. As long as I am injury-free and fit, I will go as long as I can, because once it’s done, it’s done; one can never go back,” said Westraadt.

His fiancée, Shereece, and their son will remain in South Africa.

“I cried many an hour with Shereece and alone. It is not wise for her to come with me. She is growing in her career and I am very proud of her. The way in which she has supported me in my whole career is invaluable to me. Her giving birth to our son was the most special moment of my life. It is tough for me to leave them behind.

“Shereece, I love you with all my heart. I will be home soon. You two are the reason I want to wake up every morning.”

There is another strong woman in Westraadt’s life.

“I just want to also give my mom a special mention and thank her for all her love and support. Without her here after my dad passed away last year, and the support of Shereece, I don’t believe I would have had this amazing opportunity today,” he said.

Westraadt has been playing professional rugby for 16 years. He has represented Western Province, Griquas and the Pumas.