Some kids learn rugby allegiances. Jaco Grobbelaar was born into his, right down to the family number plate.
His father’s car came with the “BLOUBUL FS” plate, a touching declaration of loyalty from a proud Free Stater who happened to live and breathe Bulls rugby.
It’s a fitting starting point for a player whose entire rugby journey has been shaped by a life-long love affair with Loftus Versfeld, a stadium he now proudly calls home.
At just 21, the Bloemfontein-born forward is already one of the brightest prospects coming through the Bulls’ pipeline, having progressed through SA Schools and the Junior Boks on his way into the senior set-up.
Raised in Bloemfontein and schooled at Hoërskool Fichardtpark, Grobbelaar represented Free State at Craven Week before his talent carried him further afield.
But his rugby heart, like his father’s, always belonged to Pretoria.
“My dad’s a massive Bulls fan, from Naas Botha and Ruben Kruger, and those guys, and when I grew up it was Pierre Spies,” he said.
That upbringing meant Loftus held near-mythical status long before Grobbelaar ever played there.
“I used to come to Loftus with my dad when we were young, and always dreamed of playing there,” he said. “It was a lifetime dream come true.”
Since then, Grobbelaar has already created his own Loftus memory.
“Probably last year, when I played Currie Cup against the Cheetahs, and there was a crowd there, a seven o’clock match on a Friday night. I really enjoyed that moment.”
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Away from rugby, Grobbelaar was a genuine multi-sport talent growing up, representing Free State at SA junior level in hurdles, discus and hammer throw.
“I was always taller than my age,” he explained of his early athletic promise, before rugby ultimately won out.
With his sights now firmly fixed on cementing a regular place in the Bulls’ squad, Grobbelaar is refreshingly clear-eyed about the road ahead.
“For the next few years it’s just to play my way through and become more permanent on the team sheet for the Bulls in the URC,” he said. “And obviously the goal is one day to play for the Boks, hopefully we can make that dream happen.”
If his journey from the Loftus stands to the Loftus turf is anything to go by, that dream feels closer than ever.
– The Bulls jersey is available at Puma.com, Puma retail stores, SportSA, Studio 88, Takealot, Totalsports and Sportsmans Warehouse at a recommended retail price of R1,099 (adult) and R999 (junior sizes).
The post Grobbelaar living his Bulls dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Some kids learn rugby allegiances. Jaco Grobbelaar was born into his, right down to the family number plate.
The post Grobbelaar living his Bulls dream appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
