Stefan Terblanche (Photo by Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

Izimvo is honoured to introduce Springbok and Sharks Rugby player, Stefan Terblanche.

Stefan’s professional rugby started at the Boland Cavaliers where he played under the tutelage of Nick Mallet. He earned a total of 66 caps for Boland before making his Sharks debut in 1999.  Stephan rejoined The Sharks for the 2009 season after playing for Swansea’s Ospreys in Wales.

Stefan’s Springbok career includes 37 caps with a total of 19 tries and 95 points. His try per match ratio of 0.51 is among the highest in Springbok history.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan_Terblanche
Location: Durban

Stefan was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Stefan Terblanche, age 34, petrified of clowns!

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Favorite movies – Braveheart and Shawshank Redemption.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Having a few beers with friends and playing with my two children.

Rugby in South Africa

Q: Having lived the dream of every schoolboy rugby player by representing both your province and country, what advice would you offer young players wanting a career in the game?

A: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it! If you want it badly enough, you CAN achieve it!

Q: If you had to single out a highlight from your rugby career, what would it be?

A: Winning the Currie Cup with the Sharks in 2008 and beating Australia whilst playing for the Ospreys in Wales.

Q: What do you think the impact commercialization has had on the school boy game?

A: In my opinion – a negative one. There is far too much pressure on school boys to perform and not enough fun.

Q: If you were to select a South African all-star team with players from any era, who would pick as captain?

A: Easy choice – Gary Teichman.

Q: What, for you, has been the greatest lesson from your years as a professional rugby player?

A: Having sacrificed a lot for rugby – it’s still just a game and should be enjoyed. Never take the enjoyment out of it!

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Family no but close friends yes. We do take precautions by living in a gated community and by being alert but we still LOVE this country!

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: Not an option for us but I don’t judge or blame anyone for considering such options.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I’d bring back the death penalty for rapists and murderers.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: My hometown – Swellendam, Gwahumbe Game and Spa in Kwa Zulu Natal and the Transkei.

Life in Durban

Q: What do you think is Durban’s number one tourist attraction?

A: ABSA stadium on match days. Can’t beat the atmosphere on the fields after a game!

Q: Favorite venue for watching the big game?

A: Any place with family and good friends.

Q: Favorite beach?

A: Northbeach.

General

Q: What are you going to buy yourself as a 40th birthday present?

A: A golf cart.

Q: Which sporting personality have you most enjoyed meeting?

A: Shane Williams – Welsh winger. Great guy and absolute genius on the field. Joe Roff – Aussie Rugby player.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: In the Transkei with my wife.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo?

A: Interesting and successful businessmen and women in KZN.

We’d like to thank Stefan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the 2010 season!