Teen sensation Cheswill Jooste says his meteoric rise over the past year has forced him to adapt.
Speaking to News24, the 19-year-old from Vredenburg on the West Coast admitted he had been surprised by how quickly things had progressed.
A year ago he was part of the Junior Boks team that won their first World Rugby U20 Championship in 13 years.
He is eligible to play in this year’s tournament again but is now a regular starter for the Vodacom Bulls in both the Investec Champions Cup and Vodacom URC.
Jooste is also on the radar of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who has called him up to alignment camps.
“My plan for this year was to play for the Junior Boks again. But things have changed so quickly for me that I’ve had to adapt,” said Jooste, who is slightly built at 1.75m and 75kg, but has blistering pace as a 10.74-second best for the 100m attests.
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He says his faith and family are his major motivations.
“I don’t just do it for me,” said Jooste. “The Lord has given me this talent, so I do it for my parents, my family and the youngsters who look up to me.
“I try to take it step by step. The pressure is high, but I know I will prevail.
“It’s been difficult being away from my parents. It’s a lonely journey, but you have to adapt.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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