Bulls flyer Sebastian de Klerk credits double World Cup winner Willie le Roux with helping to groom him into the player worthy of his maiden Springbok call-up.
Speaking with Rapport, De Klerk revealed that Le Roux was among the first people he contacted after being named in Rassie Erasmus’ 37-man squad for the second leg of the Nations Championship in November.
The 26-year-old believes the veteran fullback has played a key role in his development, particularly in improving his understanding of the game and communication on the field.
“He is just such a big part of my rugby journey, on a technical level. He was always there. He always encouraged me,” said De Klerk.
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The 101-cap Le Roux has also helped De Klerk with his approach to the game and the mental demands of playing at the highest level, and is always willing to share his experience with younger players.
“Something I appreciate about him enormously is that he has won two World Cups and played more than 100 Tests for the Boks, but he is never bigger than the game. He is a servant of the game,” he said.
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De Klerk, who joined the Bulls in 2023 after winning the Currie Cup under Jimmy Stonehouse at the Pumas, previously came close to a Test debut before a foot injury ruled him out of contention in July.
“I have had the Bok dream since I was a little boy. It is something I have worked towards my whole life and will continue to work towards. I will never stop.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Super Seb thanks Willie for the push appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bulls flyer Sebastian de Klerk credits double World Cup winner Willie le Roux with helping to groom him into the player worthy of his maiden Springbok call-up.
The post Super Seb thanks Willie for the push appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
