Nominated As MVP – Zirk Bernard Jansen

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My name is Zirk Bernard Jansen. I am 18 years old and in Grade 12. I play in the number 5 jersey, as a lock. I am 201cm tall and weigh 112 kilograms.

I have been playing for the first team for 2 years and am a very positive person. This year’s group in Diamantveld is amazing and we function as a family. Most of us were friends, prior to us playing together. We enjoy playing together and see it as great experience and playing as a team teaches us life skills. We have a great support system/structure and can therefor focus on the rugby and it makes playing a joy.

Have you played representative rugby?

I have played Griquas representative rugby at u/12 level, u/13 Craven week, u/16 Grant Khomo and last year and this year at the u/18 Craven Week level.

If so, what was the experience like?

It was a great honour to play for Griquas. We are a very small union and our resources are limited and the logistics difficult, but it remains very special and I have a lot of good memories with the 2015 Cravenweek in Stellenbosch at Paul Roos Gimnasium being one of the highlights.

What has been the highlight of your rugby career?

Being chosen as captain for both Diamantveld’s first team and the Griquas u/18 team this year.

What is your captain’s philosophy?

My philosophy is leading by example, because “actions speak louder than words”. I have a lot of senior players in my team this year and I consult them on a regular basis and I try making use of their thoughts, when making decisions. A new philosophy this year was “stick to the system and the system will reward you.”

How do you feel about being named captain?

It was an amazing feeling and it remains a privilege. I had huge shoes to fill, because the previous captain, Janco Cloete had such an amazing season last year. I see it as a challenge and not as a burden.

What are your strengths?

First and foremost, as a captain, making the right decisions at the right time. I try keeping a cool head, but with fire in my belly. I am a good line out jumper and try at all times to secure the ball, because without the ball, you cannot do anything.

 

What are your plans for the future?

I am going to Stellenbosch to study Accountancy and I want to continue  to play rugby at a competitive level. I have received a bursary from the Western Province Rugby Union for 2017.