Conwill Conradie, son of former Springbok Bolla Conradie, says he also hopes to one day play for the Springboks.

Conwill is is playing at scrumhalf for the University of the Western Cape in the Varsity Cup this year.

His father, Bolla, who was also a scrumhalf, played 18 Test matches for the Springboks between 2002 and 2008, while also representing Western Province, the Stormers and Boland in his career. He currently serves as a coach at the Western Province Rugby Academy.

In an interview with the Varsity Cup website, Conwill Conradie outlined the pros and cons of being related to a famous Springbok.

“It’s nice being recognised as the son of someone who played rugby worldwide and coaches now,” the 20-year-old said. “But some people expect me to be just like my dad, which I can’t be. We are two different people with unique personalities and aspirations.”

Conradie started playing rugby during his primary school days at age six and says he would also like to play professionally one day.

“I played rugby at Excelsior Primary School and my love for it just grew from there. My dad would watch every game I played, point out my mistakes and help me to fix them before the next game.

“My dream as a young boy was always to be a professional rugby player and play for the Springboks,” he adds. “I have achieved some of my goals, like playing age-group rugby for Western Province and for UWC in the Varsity Cup.”

Photo: Nasief Manie/ASEM Engage