Joubert Schoeman has achieved a lifelong dream by signing his official Springbok Sevens contract. He went from being a player for the North-West University (NWU) Eagles to becoming a national rugby star.
Schoeman, a BCom Honours student in Management Accounting, was a key player in the Springbok Sevens "A" side that won the prestigious Rugby Africa Sevens Cup in Mauritius, where he showcased his exceptional sporting prowess on the pitch.
Donning the green and gold jersey represents more than just a sporting accomplishment; it is a realisation of a lifelong dream, despite all the challenges encountered.
“This is a dream I have held on to and awaited for quite some time. It truly holds significant value for me and represents a crucial step forward towards a greater ambition,” Schoeman remarked, saying this accomplishment is laying the foundation for a more rewarding international career.
His performance in Mauritius showed not only his amazing talent but also his determination, which he developed through the NWU Eagles Rugby programme.
The groundwork of excellence
Schoeman’s success is closely linked to the development programmes at the NWU, where he refined his skills under the expert guidance of coach Dr Pieter van den Berg, senior lecturer and programme leader at PhASRec in the Human Movement Sciences department.
His switch from winger to hooker with the Eagles changed the course of his career and led to his selection for the national team.
“I have enjoyed sevens from the start and have been fortunate to work in both the 15s and 7s departments of the NWU Eagles,” Schoeman acknowledged. “The relationship with the coaching staff helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses to be able to know what type of player I wanted to become.”
This strategic shift, carefully crafted through discussions with Dr Van den Berg, showcases the innovative thinking that places the NWU as one of the country’s primary player factories. Schoeman's ability to adapt shows that he is flexible and willing to accept change for the good of the team.
Humble and dedicated to growth
His plan for dealing with the greater level of competition shows his maturity. “I would like to learn all that I can from senior players to improve myself and learn exactly the standard required to become a Springbok,” Schoeman stated, expressing hunger for continuous improvement.
His journey is an inspiration for young athletes across the country who want to follow in his footsteps. Schoeman’s advice for student-athletes echoes the principles that shaped his journey.
“Your body and your mind are two of the greatest gifts, so take care of them.”
By stating his hopes for the future with the words "God has a plan for me," Schoeman highlights the grounded perspective that has helped him succeed throughout his journey.
Joubert Schoeman says he wants to contribute to the team and work well with his teammates.
