Wits’ rugby captain leads from the front

Wits first team rugby captain,Warren Gilbert, has been one of the team’s influential players this season and has led from the front with his excellent kicking game.

Having previously played Varsity Cup rugby for North West University and Currie Cup for the Leopards, the Pretoria Boys High School old boy brought much-needed experience to the Wits camp.

“When I came here, at first I struggled with a bit of form but as the season grew I… found my form again and I really enjoyed the rugby,” he said.

Gilbert said being tasked with the captain’s armband also played a crucial role in helping him. “The captaincy really motivated me to give and to be better. I have put in a lot of hard work in the weeks to be able to perform at my best because I knew I was the captain.”

After leading Wits to the Varsity Shield crown and automatic qualification for the Varsity Cup, the Pretoria-born fly-half believes the team will be ready to compete come next season.

The Wits skipper also applauded the Varsity Cup and said it could not be compared to any other competition in terms of preparing and delivering great rugby players.

Despite having played in the Currie Cup, South Africa’s premium rugby competition, Gilbert has bigger dreams. “Obviously, it’s every young man’s dream to play for the Springboks one day, that has been my dream since I was a little boy,” he expressed.

Gilbert thanked the Wits sports management team for their hard work behind the scenes, and his family for always being there for him when the going got tough.

“My family plays a huge role for me, they supported me through the tough times and my fiancée has been more than willing to play second fiddle when the rugby season gets tough,” he concluded.