Local prop excels in France

His rapid rise to professional rugby level in France as a member of the Uson Nevers Rugby Club, is a dream come true. Nemo Roelofse (23), who grew up on the Garden Route, says he was always sports mad.

“I’ve worked very hard to become a top rugby player, but had some lucky breaks to be spotted by talent hunters.”

Schooled at Oakdale High School in Riversdale, Roelofse represented the South Western Districts from age 16 and was a vital cog in their u.19 Currie Cup campaign of 2015. In 2016, he made the jump to the senior professional game, featuring in the Currie Cup First Division. Donning their yellow-and-blue shirt has come with a host of perks.

Breakthrough

A single Varsity Cup with NMMU followed and French clubs started clamouring for his signature. Uson *Nevers in the Pro D2 was his club of choice and he is set to build a long career as a French tight head prop. Donning their yellow-and-blue shirt has come with a host of perks.

Roelofse owns his own house and car and has a French girlfriend who helps him master the language. Playing in the second level of the Union Sportive Olympique Nivernaise (Uson) of the country’s professional rugby system (Pro D2) has become a way of life. “The team is like one big family.

“We are like brothers and socialise after matches. I take my diet and exercise regime very seriously and have my own personal trainer, Gurthro Steenkamp.”

Even so, catching up with mom Valerie, who stays in Knysna, and dad Nemo, who lives in George, remains dear to his heart.

“We start the season this Friday, 17 August against Biarritz. I am very excited and looking forward to a great season,” says Roelofse.

* Nevers is situated 318km south of Paris.