More has stunning season
St Andrew’s match-winner scores record 29 tries in year
MATT More crowned an outstanding rugby career at St Andrew’s by setting a try-scoring record this year and receiving his honours for the sport. Having represented the first team on 43 occasions, he scored 45 tries in this period, including a school record of 29 this season.
He also kicked for goal when required and accumulated a total of 326 points for the St Andrew’s first team.
More started playing rugby for St Andrew’s in 2012 while still a pupil at the prep school.
He was selected for the U14A team and has not looked back.
As a junior player, he struggled to find a position and moved between flyhalf, centre and scrumhalf.
After a successful U16 year, More was chosen for the first team in 2015 and had some impressive games. Unfortunately, his season was curtailed by injuries.
It was, however, a success from the point of view that he found his position at outside centre.
From the start of last year it was clear that he was at home playing rugby at this level as he produced his first of many game-changing performances against Pretoria Boys’ High at the St Stithians Festival.
He announced himself with what would become a trademark onehanded offload and made the No 13 jersey his own.
His performances led to his selection for the EP Country Districts team for the Craven Week, where he performed well for his province.
He was also rewarded with rugby colours through his performances for St Andrew’s.
This year was set to be an important season for More and St Andrew’s. As an experienced player, he stepped up to the plate and led by example through his quiet words and actions.
He captained the team on three occasions and set an example which others wanted to follow.
However, it was as a player that he had the greatest impact.
He has the unique skill to change the outcome of a match through his ability to read the game.
Whether it was through his natural carrying ability, his improved defence or his outstanding skills at breakdown, More developed into a match-winner.
Unfortunately, he was not eligible to play for Eastern Province at Craven Week this year but he was identified by SA Rugby as one of the leading schoolboy talents in the country.
This was further backed up by a number of professional teams such as the Bulls, Western Province and even Munster in Ireland trying to secure his services for next year.
He was also approached in the last two years to represent the Eastern Province U19 Currie Cup team, but unfortunately was not able to due to other commitments. St Andrew’s director of rugby Andy Royle said More clearly was an outstanding rugby player.
“He has a unique gift and in his quiet, unassuming way he has gone about his business of playing rugby without seeking accolades or praise for himself,” he said.
“He has been a great team man this year and was the rock upon which the first XV built a successful season.
“He has unrivalled ability on the rugby field and his coaches have described him as one of the most gifted rugby players that they have ever coached and a delight to watch,” Royle said.