Arno van Standen: Baby Boks await

POLOKWANE – Standing in front of thousand of fans, wearing the green and gold is any rugby player’s dream.

Former Pietersburg High School learner, Arno van Staden had a glimpse of this dream when he was invited to attend the Springboks ‘Baby Boks’ u/20 trials in Stellenbosch recently prior to the 2015 World Rugby u/20 Championships in Italy from June 2 to 20.

This tournament will see England returning to defend their crown for the second year after winning in New Zealand last year and in France in 2013. The opening day will see the hosts Italy take on the Springboks.

Even though Van Staden, who is currently playing for the u/19 Toyota Cheetahs, did not make the final squad, he said it was his first invitation to the Baby Boks trials and he is happy that he was recognised among other players around the country even though he did not make the final 37-men squad. He said the final squad will be flying to Argentina this week for a warm-up match prior to the big tournament.

“The trials went very well and I did my best. I played all the matches during the trials. It was a very good experience and I hope I will be invited again in the future. I have signed a contract with the Toyota Cheetahs which will expire next year,” said Van Staden.

When asked how he landed in the Free State, Van Staden said, “I was scouted by the Leopards and the Sharks rugby unions during the 2013 Craven Week that took place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. But the Cheetahs contacted me long before the Craven Week when they heard that I run the 100 m sprint in 10,45 seconds. The Cheetahs play at a very fast pace, they knew for certain that I will be an asset to the team. The Cheetahs offered me a contract and it seemed like the best option at the time. I grew up on a farm so I knew I would fit in with the farming community in the Free State.” He further said he is studying agricultural economics at the University of the Free State.

Van Staden added that there is a lot of talent in Limpopo and athletes should work hard and persevere until they achieve their goals. He also urged young people to take part in sport to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle.

His father, MP van Staden said he was proud of his son and sees a brighter future for him in rugby. He further said family and friends could not believe when Arno told them he was invited for the Baby Boks trials. He added that they are very proud of him and they wish him all the best for the future. “He has been playing rugby all his life, it’s in his blood,” Van Staden added.

According to PHS principal Willie Schoeman, Arno is the perfect example of hard work, determination and ambition. “We are proud to call him a Pietie, and we know that this is just the stepping stone to a bright rugby future for him,” Schoeman added. “He follows in the footsteps of Adolf Malan, Victor Matfield and other Springboks born and bred in Polokwane,” Schoeman said.