We continue our series looking at 10 players who were unlucky not to receive their SA Schools colours. There are too many players to mention, such is the depth that exists in schools rugby in South Africa. The feedback is based off conversations we had with school rugby stakeholders as well as our instagram followers.
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Ramon Uys (Oakdale)
We will go out on a limb here and say that we feel that this is the most undervalued loose forward in the country right now. Ramon has been nothing short of sensational for the Oakdale Bulle this year who endured a tough start to the season only to blossom into one of the Top 10 teams in the country.
Uys played a major role in this, his tireless work rate and strength in the contact motivates his fellow teammates to no end and is someone any scout with half a brain should sign up to their Union at the earliest of opportunities.
Tiaan Jacobs (Selborne)
There is literally nothing more that Tiaan Jacobs could have done to earn selection to the SA Schools team, the Selborne youngster left nothing on the field of play each and every time he went out onto the field.
The Spicy Plum as he is known comes from a long line of Selborne loose forward brutes and has impressed all in school rugby circles this year with his love and dedication for the game and relishes the physical side of the game. He is a player who will go very far be left with little doubt.
JJ Theron (Grey College)
JJ may be in his rookie year but don’t let that fool you, the kid is the real deal and made an immediate impact when returning to the Grey College team.
Blessed with immense natural strength and a lethal engine that keeps going whatever the conditions he will be among the top players to watch out for next season, opponents beware.
Hugo-Ben Horn (Paarl Boys)
Horn much like his older brother is a physical player who is keeping the family name flying high at Paarl Boys.
His ball carrying and strength has been standout this year and has formed part of a dangerous loose-trio at the school with many feeling they are among the nations best. He performed at an extremely high level at Craven Week and certainly he can count himself unlucky at not being selected but that does not mean that higher honours are not waiting once he turns pro.
Wian Fourie (Welkom Gim)
What a Craven Week it was for young Wian Fourie, although a solid season for his school I don’t think anyone saw the Griffons doing what they did and Fourie was one of the standouts.
Although he stood out for his strength and agility his work rate was something out of the ordinary and if he continues on this path no doubt he can go on to having a hugely successful career.
Xander Schoeman (Monument)
“Vlam” (Flame) as he is known has been an absolute warrior this season, taking on all comers and often besting them.
The burly flanker has matured incredibly as a rugby player over the last year, a natural leader he does his talking on the field of play and those who follow school rugby will admit he has been one of the best loosies in the country this year.
Burrie van Heerden (Marlow)
Marlow it can be said are one of the nations finest programs when you consider their size in terms of pupil numbers compared to their results.
Taking on all comers this year Marlow have been outstanding recording great wins over the likes of Hudson Park and Framesby and pushing Monument to the edge at the Kearsney Easter Festival. Burrie is part of that Marlow core who have performed week after week and his performances at Craven Week further underlined just how far he has come as a player.
Keep a close eye on him and the hidden gems that exist in the school, next year is set to be a massive one for the Rams.
Gareth Blackmore (Rondebosch)
Blackmore was highly promising in his rookie year, there is little doubt in that but the way he has levelled up this year has been astonishing to say the very least.
A physically imposing figure, Blackmore has been a stalwart in a very impressive Rondebosch outfit that has recorded huge upsets over Paarl Boys and Paul Roos this year and it is his physicality and warrior spirit that has inspired his troops to many fine performances over the season.
Keep and eye out on where he goes next, rumours has it Europe could be his next destination but we have no doubt that a bright future awaits.
Maynard Kleynhans (Garsfontein)
Kleynhans arrived at Garsies with a big reputation and many expecting big things from the young talent. They were not to be disappointed in the least with some fantastic performances that included making several websites team of the tournament for Noord/Suid.
Garsfontein have performed exceptionally this year and their wins over Pretoria rivals Affies, Menlopark and Waterkloof gave them a triple crown for the first time in their history and Maynard played a massive part in this.
Divan Fuller (Paarl Boys)
A vital sensation at the tender age of 14, Divan Fuller has long been on our radar and despite being in his rookie year the young sensation is one of the most physically dominant players in the country with his massive hits and bone crushing tackles becoming somewhat of a trademark.
Injury prevented his presence at Craven Week, there is little doubt that Fuller would of made some massive noise at the tournament and who knows what could have been. The fact we get to see him again next year is something to truly look forward to.
