After a six-month rugby sabbatical in Japan, Kurt-Lee Arendse returned to the Springboks with a sharpened edge to his game, evidently boosting his already formidable attacking prowess. With 19 tries from 25 Tests, Arendse's scoring spree has made him a key offensive weapon for the Boks. His recent stint with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan's Rugby League One seems to have honed these skills even further.
Arendse's time in Japan was not just a break but a strategic enhancement. "I think it helped me a lot to play in Japan, because the coaches there gave me a lot of freedom," he reflected. The dynamic fullback role he embraced overseas allowed him to tap into a running game reminiscent of his sevens days, full of pace and open-field exploits. "It almost felt like I was back in sevens again – lots of running rugby, which I love," Arendse added, clearly thrilled by the experience.
"At the Springboks, there are also a lot of opportunities to play attacking rugby."
Starting off the Bok season with tries against both the Barbarians and Italy, Arendse's transition from a standout Blitzbok at the Tokyo Olympics to a star in the 15s format seems seamless. As he preps to join forces with Edwill van der Merwe against Georgia, the competition within the team is palpable. With heavy hitters like Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi in the mix, securing a starting spot is no walk in the park.
The challenge is something Arendse relishes, however. The influx of talent from the Junior Boks is pushing everyone to elevate their game. "Guys are constantly coming through the system. You see it now with the Junior Boks – they’re putting their hands up. It’s good for our rugby," Arendse noted, his competitive spirit undeterred by the crowded field. And when it comes to donning the green and gold, the winger’s passion is unmistakable: "When you get an opportunity to play, you always want to give your best. It’s always special for me to represent my country, no matter who we’re playing against."
With his eyes on the next match and his running game better than ever, Arendse is a prime example of how international stints can refine a player’s skills and broaden their horizons, all while keeping the home fires burning bright with national pride and fierce competition.
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After a six-month rugby sabbatical in Japan, Kurt-Lee Arendse returned to the Springboks with a sharpened edge to his game, evidently boosting his already formidable attacking prowess. With 19 tries from 25 Tests, Arendse's scoring spree has made him a key offensive weapon for the Boks. His recent stint with the Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan's Rugby League One seems to have honed these skills even further.
Arendse's time in Japan was not just a break but a strategic enhancement. "I think it helped me a lot to play in Japan, because the coaches there gave me a lot of freedom," he reflected. The dynamic fullback role he embraced overseas allowed him to tap into a running game reminiscent of his sevens days, full of pace and open-field exploits. "It almost felt like I was back in sevens again – lots of running rugby, which I love," Arendse added, clearly thrilled by the experience.
"At the Springboks, there are also a lot of opportunities to play attacking rugby."
Starting off the Bok season with tries against both the Barbarians and Italy, Arendse's transition from a standout Blitzbok at the Tokyo Olympics to a star in the 15s format seems seamless. As he preps to join forces with Edwill van der Merwe against Georgia, the competition within the team is palpable. With heavy hitters like Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi in the mix, securing a starting spot is no walk in the park.
The challenge is something Arendse relishes, however. The influx of talent from the Junior Boks is pushing everyone to elevate their game. "Guys are constantly coming through the system. You see it now with the Junior Boks – they’re putting their hands up. It’s good for our rugby," Arendse noted, his competitive spirit undeterred by the crowded field. And when it comes to donning the green and gold, the winger’s passion is unmistakable: "When you get an opportunity to play, you always want to give your best. It’s always special for me to represent my country, no matter who we’re playing against."
With his eyes on the next match and his running game better than ever, Arendse is a prime example of how international stints can refine a player’s skills and broaden their horizons, all while keeping the home fires burning bright with national pride and fierce competition.