FORMER BOLAND COLLEGE STUDENT CHOSEN FOR THE SPRINGBOK SEVENS TEAM

The fact that more than nine channels on South African television is dedicated to sport confirms our love as a nation for sport. Rugby is also a national pass time for many. Boland College was very proud at the announcement that a former Stellenbosch Marketing student, Carel du Preez has been chosen for the Springbok Sevens team.

Photo: Carel du Preez (right) and teammate visiting cheetahs with the Springbok Sevens team

Carel du Preez made his debut for the team this past season in the HSBC Sevens World Series. He has also been a regular member of the Academy team. We recently met with Carel and caught up with him on his life, career and favourites.

BC: If you could describe the previous season in one sentence, how would you describe it?
CdP: It was a big learning curve for me with lots of ups and downs, but I am happy with what I achieved and I am looking forward to the next season.

BC: What was the highlight of your season?
CdP: Definitely the try I scored against New Zealand. It was a dream come true, because scoring against them has always been a personal goal of mine!

BC: What was your most disappointing moment of the season?
CdP: Losing the lead in the World Series after being in control for so long. The boys worked so hard and as a newcomer to the team I saw what it meant to them. After that I think I finally began to understand what it takes to be part of this team.

BC: Who is your best roommate?
CdP: Chris Dry. He is good friend and great team player.

BC: Does the team have someone especially concerned with neatness?
CdP: I have not spent that much time touring with the team, but I have observed that Kwagga Smith is quite a neat person.

BC: Which past event would you like to experience?
CdP: Frik du Preez’s try at Loftus against the British and Irish Lions in 1968.

BC: If you could invite any five legends (dead or alive) for a braai at your place, who would you invite?
CdP: Frik du Preez, Bakkies Botha, Joost van der Westhuizen, Nelson Mandela and my dad.

BC: What occupation would you choose if you had not been a rugby player?
CdP: A farmer!

Favourites
Pass time: Enjoying the farm life with friends and family
TV Series: How I Met Your Mother
Book: Richie McCaw’s Autobiography: The Real McCaw
Movie: Braveheart
Song at present: Higher Stakes by Jeremy Loops