Paarl Boys’ High School’s star first-team forward Gershom Pieters is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his rugby career after signing a three-year contract with Italian professional club Benetton.
The talented forward, who was instrumental in Paarl Boys’ High’s triumphant Interschools victory this year, will head to Italy to continue his rugby journey with one of Europe’s most respected clubs.
Although Gershom was born and bred in Paarl his move to Italy is made possible by his deep-rooted Italian heritage. His maternal grandmother, Antonella Wright of Paarl, along with all her siblings was born in Italy. This ancestral connection has provided Gershom with an Italian passport, opening the door to his European rugby adventure.
This year proved a breakthrough season for the young forward, who scored an impressive 15 tries while playing a key role in Boishaai’s first-team success.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, attracting the attention of major South African franchises.
“I was scouted by the Lions and Bulls, and when I went for rugby interviews for possible local contracts in Gauteng earlier this year a Benetton scout noticed me and made a lucrative offer that I couldn’t refuse.”
The move to Benetton represents more than just a professional opportunity for Gershom; it’s a stepping stone toward his ultimate dream of representing Italy at international level.
“I’m extremely excited about my future prospects to play for the Italian club, learning more about international rugby while also being able to travel in Europe. In due course, as my Italian improves, I also plan to study in Italy. But my key focus currently is on rugby, and my dream would be, one day, to play for Italy’s national team.”
Rugby runs in the Pieters family. Gershom, who has played the sport since he was 7 years old, mostly at A-team level, follows in the footsteps of his father Willem, who played first-team rugby for Paarl Gimnasium.
“This year was definitely a dream year for me,” Gershom reflected on his final season at Boishaai.
The highlight of his schooling came in the dramatic Interschools victory against traditional rival Paarl Gim. Despite some early season setbacks the Boishaai team rallied to deliver one of the most memorable performances in recent schools rugby history.
“Despite some early season setbacks the Boishaai team fought back with some great matches and victories,” Gershom related.
“We realised that we were running onto the field at Faure Street stadium as underdogs, as on paper Paarl Gym seemed unbeatable this season.”
The underdog status only served to motivate the team further. “The Boishaai team stood together throughout, supporting each other, giving our best. Throughout the game, when it looked as if Gim was going to walk away the victors, our team battled on together, believing all the time we would win.”
Suffice to say, it is a belief that paid off in spectacular fashion, as Paarl Boys’ High secured a thrilling 35-33 victory over their well-nigh formidable rivals.
As Gershom prepares for his Italian adventure he’s filled with mixed emotions, particularly the prospect of leaving his rugby family behind.
“It was an absolute honour being part of this dream team in 2025. I will miss my fellow teammates and family, but I am very excited and honoured to play for Benetton.”
It is evident this young forward’s journey from the rugby fields of Paarl to the professional arenas of Europe will be something to keep an eye on, with a good probability that in only a few years time Gershom may be stepping out in Italian blue, to face the Springboks as well as perhaps some of his own school teammates.
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