FNB Wits vice-captain and flanker, Joshua Van Vreden, has been making waves in the FNB Varsity Cup, bringing leadership and skill to the team. We caught up with him to discuss his journey, challenges, and aspirations.
Joshua’s rugby career has been nothing short of impressive. He first gained national recognition when he was selected for the SA Schools ‘A’ team in 2019. He continued to climb the ranks, playing for the Lions U20 squad in 2021 before taking on the role of captain in 2022. His progression saw him move up to the Lions U21 team in 2023, further cementing his reputation as a formidable player and leader.
At 22 years old, soon turning 23, Joshua has already built an extensive rugby résumé. He began his studies at Wits in 2022 and has been part of the FNB Varsity Cup setup since 2023, quickly becoming a key player for the team.
Balancing academics and high-level rugby is no easy feat, but Joshua has managed to excel in both. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Law with a second major in Politics and achieved an impressive aggregate of 76% across all his subjects last year. His discipline and dedication are evident both on and off the field.
FNB Wits has experienced a tough start to their FNB Varsity Cup campaign, losing their opening two fixtures. However, Joshua, or “Josh” as he’s affectionately known, finds comfort in maintaining a balanced mindset during challenging times.
“The key is finding the balance between learning from previous mistakes and treating each game as a new challenge. Every match presents an opportunity to grow, and motivation comes from recognizing the sacrifices we’ve all made to reach this stage.
“My role is to ensure that the team fully understands and executes the game plan. Our leadership and coaching staff work tirelessly to analyze our past performances and upcoming opponents, and it’s my job to reinforce those strategies on the field.
“Injuries and having a relatively young squad have been challenges, but they also present opportunities. We have a fresh slate with talented players eager to prove themselves. Our leadership group ensures they receive the right guidance to transition smoothly into this level of rugby.”
As a leader, Joshua understands the importance of team unity and believes the squad remains committed to a common goal of success, despite each player having personal aspirations. He emphasized the significance of collective achievement in supporting individual ambitions.
“We emphasize how our collective success impacts individual aspirations. Some players want to build a professional rugby career, while others see this as a means to further their education. When we win as a team, everyone moves closer to their personal goals.”