Rugby brings an ‘out of world’ experience

FOR Optimum Harlequins Rugby Club’s second team captain, Jurgens van Dam, being out on the field brings him an ‘out of this world’ experience.

Van Dam, 37, who plays number 12, an inside center, said playing rugby has been a part of most of his childhood.

“I started playing rugby at the age of five, before we moved from my hometown Vereeniging to Durban. When I started pre-primary school, the sports coach took me under his wing and trained me, which was in fact the foundation to my future in the sport.

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“While in primary school, I joined the Harlequins Rugby Club’s U13 team. Apart from rugby, I also had a passion for ice hockey and had the opportunity to represent KwaZulu-Natal and the country in the U16 and U18 teams.

“I also continued to play rugby in high school and was on the first team. After school I played for various clubs around the country due to my job, and made my way back to my current club at the beginning of the 2023 season,” he said.

Van Dam, who works in the shipping industry said there were many benefits to playing rugby.

“Rugby makes me forget about all the stress and things going on in my life. Once I run out on the field, it is as if I am entering another world. Rugby also helps you to listen to instructions, how to deal with disappointment, how to play as part of a team, it teaches you to be more confident and to master self-discipline,” he said.

Van Dam said to be a player, one should possess various qualities that will benefit yourself and the team.

“You need to be supportive and if you are losing, it’s best not to take your disappointment out on your teammates. You should also have a positive attitude, be respectful, be willing to learn and be able to practice self-control,” he said.

Van Dam, whose favourite team is the Sharks, said while injuries are the biggest challenge, training and keeping the body conditioned is the only way to overcome them.

He added that his advice to those who are keen to play rugby, was to be prepared for the good and bad days, as well as to always have fun.

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“There will be ups and a lot of downs, but through it all it is important to remain positive and always enjoy the game. I always say, live in the moment as tomorrow is not promised, we may not be here,” he said.

Those interested in trying out for the team, can attend one of their training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 18:00 to 19:30, at the Harlequins sports grounds situated at 50 Garcin Place on The Bluff.

The second team will be playing against the Ballito Dolphins in an away game on August 5, at 14:00.

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