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23 June 2021 | Story Ruan Bruwer | Photo Johan Roux
Ox Nche during his playing days for the Shimlas in 2015. He might make a return to the Springbok team after three years.

It will be a small reunion for a couple of ex-Shimlas when almost the full Springbok squad gathers at Shimla Park this week.

This will then be the third week of training, but for the first time with the majority of the 46 squad members, as most players have finished their provincial and club commitments. They are preparing in Bloemfontein for the upcoming test season, which includes a test series against the British and Irish Lions.

Ox Nche (Shimlas 2015 and 2016) and Coenie Oosthuizen (2008) are members of the squad from which a Springbok and a South African A team will be chosen.

Both have represented the Springboks before – Nche in a single test in 2018, and Oosthuizen in 30 tests between 2012 and 2017.

Apart from the two players, there are three former University of the Free State students in the coaching staff. Rugby World Cup winning coach, Rassie Erasmus, is now the director of rugby at the South African Rugby Union, while former Bok defence coach (in 2018 and 2019), Jacques Nienaber, was promoted to head coach last year. The Springboks have not played a test under him yet.

The two first worked together in the Shimlas U20 team, where Erasmus was the captain and Nienaber the physio. Erasmus wore the famous blue jersey between 1993 and 1995. Daan Human, a former Shimla (1999-2000) and Shimla assistant coach, was appointed as the scrum coach of the national team last year.

Nche, a double Varsity Cup winner with the Young Guns in 2014 and the Shimlas in 2015, is strongly in the race for a place in the Springbok team.

Deon Davids, assistant coach of the Boks, recently had high praise for Nche.
“It is well-known that Ox is a quality player. Ox has been a consistent performer. His presence in the camp is an asset,” Davids said.

News Archive

Farewell to our #FaceOfFacebook
2017-05-02

Description: Reuben Davids, FaceOfFacebook Tags: Reuben Davids, FaceOfFacebook

Reuben Davids, outgoing #FaceOfFacebook ambassador
for UFS digital channels
Photo: Rulanzen Martin

Reuben Davids has been our most featured #FaceOfFacebook since the campaign’s inception in 2013. As the star of more than 20 videos for the UFS digital platforms in less than a year, Reuben has been the embodiment of a Kovsie ambassador. As we say goodbye to this campus celebrity, we wish him all the best with his future plans and endeavours. Reuben shares a few thoughts with us about his term as Kovsies’ #FaceOfFacebook.

Much fun and many a lesson learnt

What did it mean to you to be the #FaceOfFacebook and how did it change your life?

“I’ve always wanted to be in front of the camera. So being the #FaceOfFacebook meant I could fulfil that dream. It changed my life in the sense that I’m much more confident now when speaking to a large audience.”

What was your most challenging moment?

“Trying to look good during a Facebook livestream. For example, on the ‘Krav Maga’ [self-defence] one. That was pretty tricky, and I had to keep my pose, regardless of the pain!”

And your funniest?

“All the bloopers we’ve ever had. Those were the funniest for me.”

Biggest lessons learnt?

“I learnt how to manage my time, to think on my feet, and how to come up with ideas in the moment and make them work.”

What advice would you give to any budding #KovsieCyberSta?

“Just come with your creativity. It’s definitely a learning experience. It’s not just work, it’s much more enjoyable! The team you are working with is amazing, so come with fresh ideas, and stay as committed as possible. It’s not hard, because it’s such a joyride.”

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