Stellenbosch University BScAgric student Kobus van Dyk was recognised as the Western Province senior rugby team's most promising forward for the 2016 season. He received the award at the Western Province Rugby Football Union's annual awards function last week.

This loose forward made his debut for the Western Province's senior team this year, and also played one game for the Stormers.

Van Dyk is the only full-time Stellenbosch University student to play for the Western Province this season. He is a final year BScAgric student, and majors in Agricultural Economics and Agronomy.

He never played provincial rugby while at school. His career took off at university, and he was among the top try scorers for the Maties team during the past two Varsity Cup seasons. This 1.96 meter tall loose forward then went on to represent the Western Province under 21 side, before being chosen for the senior squad.

Studies

Van Dyk chose to follow a study programme in agriculture because he has his sights set on farming once his rugby playing days are over.

"Since childhood I've gone around the farm with my father, helping where I can," tells this eldest of three sons who grew up on the wheat farm Anyskop near Caledon.

He acknowledges that it has been quite difficult over the past few months to adequately juggle his studies with his responsibilities on the rugby field. However, he realises that his efforts all contribute to shaping his dreams for the future.

"I don't have much spare time at present, because if I am not practising I have to study or complete an assignment," says van Dyk, who expressed his gratitude towards his lecturers for accommodating him.

"I try not to make my studies play second fiddle, because I know that the sooner I finish my degree, the more time I will have at hand to focus on my rugby," he states level-headedly.

Rugby dreams

Van Dyk not only has his sights on graduating at the end of the year, but is also holding thumbs for a 2017 Stormers contract and to get as much game time as possible in the provincial teams.

"After tasting what it feels like to play one game in the Super Rugby series, I am hoping for more such action," says van Dyk, who went to school at Overberg High in Caledon and Rȗens College near Klipdale. "I'm going to work very hard to achieve this goal."