Alberts wants fairytale end

Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, with all domestic rugby competitions still suspended, big Lions flanker Willem Alberts (below) has warned of the ramifications of the national lockdown.

Alberts admitted at the weekend that the virus could have an impact on the intended fairytale finish to his long career.

“There are a lot of people who are feeling the impact of the lockdown and in that regard I’m not so bad off, but one has a picture of how you want to finish your career, so this is not perfect,” said Alberts, who joined the Lions a few months ago from Stade Francais.

“But I’m very positive. The year is not over yet and my body has recovered from all the knocks.

“I don’t really know what the situation is with SA Rugby regarding the resumption of play.”

If the shutdown extended to the point where he wasn’t able to make a return, however, Alberts remained satisfied with what he had accomplished.

“If I had to retire now, I would be able to look back on a good career with many highs,” he said.

While his family had been staying with his mother-in-law in Pretoria while they were house hunting, the lockdown had put a stop to those plans.

They had since moved in with his parents, where they were waiting for lockdown restrictions to be lifted.

“When I returned from the (Super Rugby) tour I was under self-isolation at my parents in Krugersdorp, and when the lockdown kicked in my wife and kids moved over from Pretoria to join me in Krugersdorp,” Alberts said.

“It’s nice to catch up with the family after I was gone for four years in France.”

“All we can hope for is that everyone stays healthy and that life can return to normal as soon as possible. People’s lives at the moment remain the main priority,” he added.