Nothing that is worthwhile is easy … This is the belief that helps Edwill van der Merwe, first-year student in the Department of Sports Science and Junior Springbok rugby player, persevere when things get tough.
Van der Merwe and his Maties team mate Ernst van Rhyn were included in the Junior Springbok group that will participate in the World tournament for U/20 teams in Manchester, England, from 7-25 June.
"It is an unbelievable privilege and honour to represent my country. I has been my dream to play for this team since I was a ball boy at the tournament held in Stellenbosch and Cape Town in 2012. I saw my school heroes in action and knew this is where I wanted to play one day," Van der Merwe said.
Van der Merwe hails from Kylemore and is a former learner of Paul Roos Gimnasium. He played for the Western Provence U/19 team that reached the final of the national tournament last year. He was also part of the Maties Rugby team that played the final of the Varsity Cup tournament this year.
Van Rhyn, who matriculated at Paarl Gimnasium last year, also played in the Varsity Cup tournament this year.
"I think it is any professional rugby player's dream to represent his country. It was definitely a personal goal, but one that I rather kept to myself!" the former SA Schools captain admitted.
He is a student in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences.
Van der Merwe finds it quite challenging to balance his studies and sport, but it is a challenge that he enjoys.
"I strive to live a balanced life as far as studies, sport, religion and my social life is concerned. I am indeed privileged that I really enjoy my studies and have great classmates who are prepared to help.
"I am also thankful for my roommate who has had to wake me up a few times when I fell asleep in front of my books! Most of the time I can only study in the evenings and then I am rather tired after the day's classes and training sessions. That is when I tell myself that nothing important and worthwhile comes easy."
This belief and the unbelievable support he gets from his friends, family, Maties Rugby and the Department of Sports Science make it possible for Van der Merwe to persevere.
Van Rhyn agrees that it isn't easy to balance everything, but that it is important for him to get his degree.
"I will be honest and say it is indeed a challenge. Although we are quite busy during the day I try to use the available time productively. It is good motivation to know that when I no longer have the privilege to play rugby I will have something to fall back on."
