Ricardo Duarttee from Brackenfell, a former Stellenberg High School learner and a Boland scrumhalf, is looking forward to his first tournament on the HSBC World 7s Series this coming weekend in Dubai.
He is the second learner from Stellenberg after Angelo Davids to wear the Blitzbok jersey.
He was elated when he heard he was selected. “I am looking forward to don the Blitzbok-jersey against England in Dubai in our first encounter.
“I want to show anyone watching, young and old, what passion, hard work, discipline, dedication, perseverance and tenacity looks like. I want to inspire and show that hard work and sacrifice, paired with the pure love for your country and the sport can lead to achieving your dreams,” Duarttee says.
In a group full of special players, he finds it difficult to single out one of the Blitzboks who welcomed him into the Blitzbok family.
“I started my journey with the SAS 7s Academy team in January where we played games against Uganda in March, but unfortunately I tore my ankle ligament in the first game.
“I was out for a month and it was a tough four weeks in rehab, but Coach Caleb Ngcobo gave me an opportunity to represent the Springbok 7s Academy at the SAS Sevens tournament in May. Now I am preparing for Dubai where the Blitzboks will be defending their title,” he says.
Mentors
Duarttee dedicates his rise in rugby to the support and belief in his first team coach at Stellenberg High, Divan Batt, and also his two strength and conditioning coaches Coenrad de Villiers and Jason Hector.
“In 2018 I started my journey at Western Province u-21 while having to work for my parents at Die Visfabriek on the days I had no training. Boland offered me my first contract at the end of that season which gave me an opportunity to only focus on my rugby.”
When not involved in rugby commitments Duarttee likes spending time with his family and friends.
“My other hobbies are boxing, beach touchies and coaching. Locally I admire my parents as they are the hardest working people I have ever met. Internationally I admire the late Kobe Bryant, his mindset inspires me a lot,” he says.
His advice to young rugby players is to remember self-discipline is the key to unlocking your full potential and always be the hardest worker in the room.
