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STORMERS CALL UP UWC RUGBY STAR No stranger to rugby at the highest level, Lyle Hendricks heads for super rugby stardom

By Myolisi Gophe Images UWC Media

UWC rugby star Lyle Hendricks’ impressive rise in rugby has taken yet another positive turn. In February, he was named part of the DHL Stormers squad for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, making him the second UWC player in the team.

The second-year BA student joins former UWC scrumhalf and Rugby World Cup winner Herschel Jantjies in the 45-man Stormers squad named by head coach John Dobson.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” the inside centre from Kuils River says. “I was in the system for a long time, since I was in high school, and I was just patient and worked hard towards that goal.”

Having made the squad, the former Baby Boks player, who has two years left on his contract with Western Province, will be pushing to make his debut in the Super Rugby competition. “Varsity Cup is a great platform to play rugby because it’s a very competitive competition. Obviously, playing in the Varsity Cup is a platform for me to stay fit and be game-fit. And to help the UWC boys in the tournament because they have helped me, too.”

Hendricks, who contributed to UWC earning its promotion to Varsity Cup, spoke highly of how the University has helped his own career.

“UWC contributed immensely to my growth in rugby. I mean, Coach Bolla (Johannes Conradie) and Coach Chester Williams taught me a lot of things about the sport,” he reminisces.

“Just to be patient and keep working hard – those are the only things that will make you successful at the end of the day. They said I must keep working hard and my time will come. And to stay humble.” For up-and-coming sports stars, Hendricks has a few words of advice: “Keep working hard – and if you don’t make it, it’s not the end of the road. Your time will come. And don’t do it alone; there is support out there.”

Interim UWC Coach Lionel Langenhoven has congratulated Hendricks, mentioning that he deserves every accolade coming his way and that Hendricks’ inclusion in the Stormers set is a big deal for UWC. “It is a massive motivation just to have him in our midst.

“Training with him in the past weeks has uplifted the guys a lot. With his experience of playing at a higher level, players can learn from him. He is a fantastic ambassador for UWC, and a role model for many.”