Rondebosch’s 2.06m lock Sebastian Vermeulen says his size has always attracted attention.
The towering 140kg, 18-year-old has become one of the most talked-about schoolboy players in the country, with photos alongside Springbok locks Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman highlighting his remarkable size.
“I’ve always been the biggest person in the school,” Vermeulen told News24. “I remember in Grade 1, I was already the biggest in the entire school. It was quite an abnormal thing for others to see.”
He has since embraced standing out.
“My friends have played an important role in making me feel comfortable and accepted. I’ve got a wide circle of friends, and that really helped.”
Despite his physical presence, Vermeulen picked up rugby relatively late, joining a club in Grade 7 after being encouraged by a friend.
“That’s kind of where it all started,” he said. “What I love most about rugby is the brotherhood. The connections you make, both on and off the field, are really special. And, obviously, running into people is fun too.”
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Vermeulen’s height made him an obvious choice for the second row, but he wasn’t initially utilised there.
“They tried to put me at lock, but I didn’t have enough core strength at the time,” he said. “I moved to flank, and that’s where it all began. I only started playing lock properly around Grade 9, going into Grade 10.”
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His mother, Lindsey, said his unique build has presented challenges.
“He has the height of a lock but the weight of a prop, which makes it difficult for school coaches to know how to develop him properly.”
Photo: Lindsay Vermeulen/Supplied
The post Bosch giant: I’ve always been the biggest appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
