Northwood School duo tackle their goals
Despite the entirety of this year's season being written off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, two players, Ryan Francis and Danie Van Huizen have reason to celebrate having secured contracts with the Sharks U19 and U20 teams respectively.
WHEN it comes to up-and-coming rugby talents, one need not look further than much of Northwood School’s first XV rugby team. Last year the team capped off an incredible string of victories and one of the most successful for the Durban North schools seeing Northwood secure historic victories over Kearsney College and Maritzburg College.
Despite the entirety of this year’s season being written off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, two players, Ryan Francis and Danie Van Huizen have reason to celebrate having secured contracts with the Sharks U19 and U20 teams respectively.
The duo, who are Grade 12 learners, said their biggest lesson this year has been staying mentally strong amidst the challenges of lockdown and a global pandemic.
“We were all bitterly disappointed with how the season ended before it really began but importantly, as a unit, we’ve had each other’s backs when it comes to staying motivated and focused. I’m now looking forward to the positives of starting next year with the Sharks U19 side,” said Francis, who plays loosehead prop.
“I also feel the first team’s coaching staff have contributed largely to both my and Danie’s success. If it wasn’t for coach (Grant) Bashford, (Keegan) Daniel and (Torsten) Sorensen we wouldn’t have reached our goals,” he said.
Despite being a forward, Francis said his idol is Springbok, Jesse Kriel. Van Huizen, who plays hooker, concurred with Francis’ thoughts and said mentally this year has been one of the toughest in his rugby career.
“If it wasn’t for the other teammates offering sage advice and lifting us up in the dark times I feel this year would have been much tougher. We all put in blood, sweat and tears and we can’t help feeling we lost out but we have to stay positive and look to the future. It’s a dream come true to play for the Sharks and this is my path to my ultimate dream of representing the Springboks. I believe in the saying ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’ and that’s what we have focused on throughout the lockdown,” Van Huizen said.
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