Local matriculant heading for Western Province rugby academy
Hoërskool Oosterlig first team rugby player Dylan Lange is heading to the Western Province rugby academy after impressing at the national U-18 Coca-Cola Academy Week in KwaZulu-Natal.
Last week the Advertiser reported on the matriculant’s fishing exploits but he couldn’t stress enough that rugby, and not fishing, is his where his passion lies, his dream.
He’s certainly taken a big first step in fully realising that dream with this selection where he caught the onlooking scouts’ attention while representing the Valke U-18 side.
The selection was made more significant by him being the only player from his school who was selected by the WP academy.
His Valke side faced Griquas whom they beat, EP Kings whom they drew with and lost against LSEN at the week-long tournament.
The hooker, who moulds his game on that of World Cup winner and blockbusting Springbok No. 2 Bismarck du Plessis, began playing provincial rugby at U-14 level. He’s also played sevens at U-16 where he toured Holland and Belgium.
Asked about his inspiration, Lange commented: “To make my parents and my loved ones proud. I believe I’m destined for great things.”
He added that his dream would be fully realised when he one day plays as a professional rugby player for a big overseas club and playing for the Boks and competing with the game’s best players.
His stay in Cape Town, which will begin when he completes his matric, is scheduled for a year but he could be offered a permanent contract should he impress his suitors. – @SabeloBoksburg
