Uitenhage boy set for international rugby future

By Lynne Gadd- Claxton

INTERNATIONAL rugby is a dream for many schoolboy rugby players but for Aidon Davis, 18, the days of school rugby have faded fast and his career in international rugby is only beginning.

Uitenhage-based Davis captained the under-18 Craven Week team at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in July 2012. He was also selected to play in the South African Schools team, where he was up against the U18 teams of England, Wales and France.

The Daniel Pienaar Technical High School Grade 12 pupil said his love for rugger started when he was six years old. A mere eight years later, he had received his provincial colours.

"I was selected to represent U14A Eastern Province and have continued to represent the province ever since,” the forward said.

Davis practises  four times a week and when he is not kicking a rugby ball on the field he is in the gym.

He is a natural leader, captaining both the rugby and cricket first teams at the school,  as well as being deputy head boy. He was also awarded the title of Daniel Pienaar’s most eligible boy when he was crowned Mr DP this year.

"I played cricket till last year but had to drop it as I wanted to focus on improving my rugby game. It is difficult trying to find the balance between school, sport and my social life,” he said.

Aspiring  one day to wear green and gold, Davis will start his international rugby career in 2013 as he has been selected to play for a Vodacom Super Rugby team.

"I dream of playing for the Springboks one day but next year I will be playing for the Free State Cheetahs,” he said.

"I used to support the Blue Bulls, but now I will support the Cheetahs.”

Along with the  big shift  from school rugby to Super Rugby, Davis said homesickness could be his biggest concern next year.

"I will miss my parents, who have supported me in every game, and my mom’s pasta. Uitenhage is quiet and that is what I’ll miss about my hometown.”

This is a shortened version of an article that appeared in the print edition of the Weekend Post on Saturday, August 25, 2012.