Inspiration: Springbok Player; Eben Etzebeth
Standing at 2.04 metres tall, weighing almost 125kg, he is without a doubt one of the largest players the Springbok squad has ever had. Born on 29 October 1991, Eben Etzebeth has become one of the country’s favourite players. He currently plays in the lock position for both the Western Province team as well as the Springboks.
Ruthless and fierce on the field, off the field he is one of the sweetest and most humble giants you will meet in this lifetime. Etzebeth was made one of ASICS South Africa’s brand ambassadors shortly after the brand announced its gear sponsorship for the Springboks. Etzebeth’s career took off when he appeared for the Baby Boks in 2011. He made his first professional appearance in 2012 when he ran out for the Stormers in the Super 15 competition. In the same year he made his Springbok debut versus England.
The Springbok lock has been involved in a number of charity campaigns and community projects, but the one that stands out the most is the Tag Rugby Clinic which is also sponsored by ASICS. According to asics.co.za, the brand started the campaign “Adopt A School” to get children more involved in sports. ASICS is involved 5 other schools around the country, however, here in the regions of Cape Town, where Etzebeth is from, ASICS has its focus on Heathfield Primary School.
Cape Times stated that Etzebeth has made a number of appearances at this school and he is known as “Coach Etzebeth” amongst the aspiring future rugby players of Heathfield. Etzebeth works together with Tag Rugby to not only promote the sport but to get children involved in all sports. Etzebeth occasionally visits the school to teach the children the basics of the tag rugby which is an alternative to rugby without the tackling.
Etzebeth has established a really good relationship with the children of Heathfield Primary. The young Springbok player is an inspiration to not only them but countless young athletes across the country. Etzebeth stated in this ASICS video that he believes that by hosting more rugby clinics and having players like him involved in such programmes, will certainly help pave the way for future Springbok players.
sources:
iol, Cape Times :http://bit.ly/1HRjjhg
ASICS YouTube Channel :http://bit.ly/1PuEEDj
ASICS: http://bit.ly/1IXTuxN