St Joseph's Nudgee College

September 7, 2009

Nudgee College has received visits from many rugby internationals over the years. Last week’s visitors however wear a slightly different shade of green to many of the previous ones.

Four players from the South African rugby union team the Springboks visited Nudgee College last week ahead of their clash with the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

Pierre Spies, Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bryan Habana spoke with all Year 10 students and Year 12 Physical Recreation students in a question and answer session before signing autographs.

The players told the students about their early rugby days, spoke about what it is like playing for the Springboks and shared stories from their Super 14 experiences. Crowd favourite "The Beast" also shared how he came to get his nickname.

“I’ve had it since I was 9 years old,” he said. “I wasn’t the most friendly of fellas in primary school and I got the name then and it has just stuck.”

In addition to the playing stories Pierre, Tendai, Chiliboy and Bryan also shared with the students how they have coped with the pressures associated with fame and alcohol.

“Coming into the Springboks at such a young age meant it was something I had to learnt to deal with,” Bryan said.

“You basically just need to watch what you do and surround yourself with the right people and the right mates. Being a Springbok means we’re role models and others look up to you which is something you have to take into consideration.”

His sentiments were echoed by Pierre who told the students they have to make up their minds about what they stand for.

“Make up your mind what you stand for, what you live for or you will fall for anything.”

Another area the players spoke about was their faith. All have strong religious beliefs and are actively involved in charity work when their rugby commitments allow. 

“We are blessed to have the talent to do what we love,” said Bryan. “Whenever I score a try I thank the man upstairs. Sometimes we let our lives lead down rocky roads and we ask for help but it is also in the good times that we should celebrate him.”

Each player also had some very handy advice for students who may be considering a sporting career.

“Don’t let sport be the only thing you do or place all your trust in success. Life is not all about sport. God gives us many different things,” said Pierre.

“Each of you can achieve what you want. Trust Jesus Christ and you’ll achieve,” Tendai said.

“Live your passion. Make every stride you take be in His glory and grace. Develop good principles and values and live up to them,” Chiliboy said.

“Don’t place limitations on yourself. Talent will only get you so far. Hard work gets you your dreams. Trust the Lord and don’t listen to the negative stuff,” Bryan said .

The players visit was arranged by Hotel Chaplaincy founder Andy Gourley.

“Nudgee College and Hotel Chaplaincy have a long connection and the Springboks visit arose largely due to that relationship,” Director of Students (Years 10-12) Mr Martin Wiseman said.

“Andy has been involved in Nudgee College’s guest speak program for Year 12s for many years and will again speak with students in Term 4.”

Andy and Hotel Chaplaincy also run a Schoolies Week advocacy group called Red Frogs whose volunteers attend Schoolies Week celebrations offering support, and red frogs, to schoolies.