There is a distinct North-West University (NWU) flavour to this year’s IRB Rugby World Cup in Japan with both the Springboks and the Namibian national side boasting some NWU talent.

The Springboks’ forwards coach Matt Proudfoot is somewhat of a legend in NWU rugby circles. Matt was the head coach of the NWU’s first rugby team that is based in Potchefstroom and helped to establish the Rugby Institute, one of the best of its kind in the country.

Matt has had tenures under two Springbok coaches, namely Alistair Coetzee – he was also his long-time lieutenant at the Stormers – and incumbent Bok mentor Rassie Erasmus. Matt obtained his degree at the NWU and would go on to represent teams such as the Blue Bulls and Scotland’s national side as prop.  

Towering lock Lood de Jager made his debut for the NWU before his rugby career reached stratospheric heights, but he nonetheless left a lasting impression. Renowned for his wit and an unfailing joker, Lood was a stalwart for the NWU’s Varsity Cup team.

Now to our neighbours to the north. A few years ago all the talk was about a bruising centre who played for Patria men’s residence. Now Johan Deysel is playing in his second World Cup for Namibia after having obtained his degree at the NWU.

Louis van der Westhuizen, better known as “Chucky”, was the NWU’s Varsity Rugby captain this year and is also playing in his second World Cup.

The trio of Johan Retief, Nelius Theron and Justin Newman are all currently studying at the NWU, and Aranos Coetzee and Wian Conradie both spent some time at the university.  

This is even more reason why the NWU is renowned as a rugby player factory.