Kurt-Lee Arendse, a star wing for the Springboks, defied the odds to reach the pinnacle of rugby. His path to success wasn't paved with privileged schooling or state-of-the-art facilities, but with hard work, perseverance, and the belief of a legend, Chester Williams. Arendse's story highlights the power of talent and determination to overcome adversity and achieve dreams.
FILE - Springboks wing Kurt-Lee Arendse catches a high ball during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match against England. Arendse has scored 17 tries in 20 Test matches for the Springboks since making his debut in 2022. Picture: Franck Fife / AFP“I was basically worked with the pork bangers, making sure the fridge was always full. I leave the braai to Kwagga and Pieter-Steph !” Arendse jokes.
Like many talented kids who grow up without a silver spoon, Arendse needed that little bit of luck and someone who believed in him to give him that opportunity to take the gap and showcase his undoubted talent.“I kept going to the gym after knocking off, to prepare myself to be ready when the opportunity came.The late Chester Williams, the first black man to play for post-Apartheid Springboks and who won the World Cup with South Africa in 1995, was the one who gave Arendse that rugby lifeline.
He immediately offered Arendse the opportunity to leave his job packing pork bangers at the butchery to play for the University of the Western Cape in the Varsity Shield.It wasn’t long before Arendse was spotted by the Springboks Sevens side after a few top performances for UWC. From there, Jake White signed him for the Bulls in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic after the Sevens team couldn’t travel to compete abroad.
“Chester kept on telling me about one of his biggest recruits they landed and urging me to go to training to meet the student,” Gagayi said. Arendse embodies that same fierce, but humble spirit, as has been witnessed over the last two years in the Springboks jersey, with Arendse running in 18 tries in 24 Test matches for the Springboks.
“That carried me through Varsity Rugby. It’s quite sad that Chester was not able to witness me playing for the Springboks.
RUGBY SPRINGBOKS WORLD CUP KURT-LEE ARENDSE CHESTER WILLIAMS
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