Once overshadowed by his peers, Nico Steyn's ascent to potential Springbok glory is a tale of grit and relentless ambition. The 24-year-old Lions scrumhalf, initially underestimated during his school years, has been summoned to the Springbok training camp, signaling a pivotal shift in his rugby career. His former coach at Glenwood High School, Derek Heiberg, reflects on Steyn's journey, highlighting his exceptional work ethic and determination as the catalysts for his meteoric rise through the ranks of the Vodacom URC.
During his formative years, Steyn was not the obvious choice for future national honors. "To be honest, I don’t think many people would have said he could become a Springbok when he was at school," Heiberg confessed in a recent interview. However, Steyn's story is one of perseverance and self-belief.
"Nico is proof that if you believe in yourself, ignore negative comments, trust your abilities and work hard, anything is possible."
Heiberg remains in touch with his former charge, marveling at his progress. "I chatted to him on WhatsApp this week. It really is an incredible story that he has come this far," he added. Steyn's inclusion in the Bok camp places him among a competitive cadre of scrumhalves, which includes notable names like Grant Williams, Haashim Pead, Imad Khan, and Faf de Klerk.
With a spate of injuries sidelining key players like Morné van den Berg, Cobus Reinach, and Jaden Hendrikse, Steyn's call-up is not just timely but well-deserved. His rugby journey was marked by early prowess in sevens, where he represented the SA U18 Sevens team. In 2020, he captained Glenwood's 1st XV and served as head boy, although his final year was curtailed to a single match due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, he continued to showcase his leadership and skill, playing for the Junior Springboks in the subsequent two years before climbing through the professional tiers.
As preparations intensify for the upcoming clash against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, all eyes will be on Steyn to see if he can translate his domestic form onto the international stage. His story, from an underestimated schoolboy to a potential Springbok, is a testament to the power of resilience and hard work in the ruthless arena of international rugby.
Teams:
Springboks, Barbarians.