Jonker to captain Sharks Craven Week team
ARBORETUM Primary School old boy Rynhardt Jonker will captain the Sharks U18 side at the Craven Week tournament in Paarl from 8 to 14 July.
Jonker is currently in matric at Glenwood High School and plays for the school’s first
XV.
The talented rugby player has also signed a junior Sharks contract for the 2019/2020 season and will study BCom Marketing at Varsity College next year on a full scholarship.
‘Next year is going to be tough, but important for me in terms of shaping my career as a professional rugby player, as there are many talented players within the Sharks set-up,’ said Jonker.
‘My ultimate goal for this year is to get into the SA Schools side and captain the Sharks U19 team, and then hopefully get into the Baby Bok set-up next year.’
Finding a balance between studies and pursuing a career in rugby has required some careful planning by the youngster.
‘We train four times a week, so morning studies are out of the question.
‘I study late at night, but during exam time they do give us time off.’
Jonker says the key to achieving any goals in life is to put in the hard yards and remain humble.
‘How you train and eat will definitely affect your outcome. Therefore, it is important to train hard and remain focused on my ultimate goals, even though we are in the middle of the season.’
Jonker is relishing the opportunity to lead the Sharks outfit this season and told the ZO that being captain has taught him how to communicate with people on and off the field, as well as to lead by example.
‘We had a tough pre-season this year, but it really helps to have a solid base to work from in order to perform.’
The utility back enjoys playing golf with his dad in his spare time and says he prefers playing inside centre to flyhalf and fullback.
‘I enjoy the space at centre and love bashing the ball up or creating gaps for my teammates.’
His role models are Joe Pietersen and Jan Serfontein as the style of rugby they play inspire him to achieve.