David Brits is the latest Maties Rugby player to link up with former Maties coach Hawies Fourie to play for the Cheetahs.
Brits received the call up to Bloemfontein after stellar performances in the 2021 FNB Varsity Cup tournament. For the past three seasons, Brits has been one of the standout players for Maties and led the Maroon Machine as captain this year.
“I want to thank all of my teammates for the awesome time we spent together. It was an honour to train and play with all of you and to lead you out to battle in the Maties jersey. Thank you to everyone who made my journey at Maties so special; one that I will hold closely to my heart. It was truly special and a great privilege. Never forget what that jersey means,” said Brits in a message to his teammates and coaches.
Maties Rugby Head Coach, Drikus Hancke is not at all surprised that Brits got the call to join a professional team after his performances for the maroon.
“I’m very happy for David. He thoroughly deserves it. He was one of the hardest workers if not the hardest worker in the side. It shows hard work pays off,” said Hancke.
“He is a true leader in terms of leading by example. I’m just so happy for him that he got the recognition that he deserves. We wish him all the best for his future. I’m sure he will do well,” he added.
Western Province have selected the following players to compete against SWD, namely: Dian Bleuler, Ruan de Beer, Gift Dlamini, De Wet Marais, Hannes Gous, Luciano Elias, Vernon Matongo, Rhys Fulford, HD Stemmet, Ethan Snyman, Cade Croy and Oliver Jones.
A further six players were selected for the Junior Springboks squad – Simon Miller, Andre-Hugo Venter, Bobby Alexander, Dylan de Leeuw, Ethan James and Corne Weilbach – they will take on Uruguay, Argentina, and Georgia this month.
“We are always happy when our guys get picked up. Our vision is that our players must also be successful once they leave Maties. If that is in a professional career on the rugby field or in a career off/away from the playing field. It is good to see when their goals are attained, and dreams are realized. It is great to see that our programme delivers in helping them attain their goals. That is the main thing we want as coaches,” concluded Hancke.