Pukke's Golden (Lions) boy
'An FNB UJ v FNB Pukke Final would be fantastic.' So says Lions star Franco van der Merwe - a Pukke old boy and a big supporter of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.
Loyal to his former team (Pukke), plus the one of his adopted city (UJ), the former North-West University student has been playing rugby at the highest level for over six years, but - yet - still found time to complete his studies.
Today he holds a degree in Financial Management, as well as an Honours qualification in Human Resources Management, and describes juggling both professional rugby and class as "sometimes hectic, especially in university years, which became better during my Honours year because there were not as many classes to attend".
Currently a key man in the MTN Lions' engine-room, Van der Merwe made his provincial debut in 2004 and has now made over 50 appearances for the Johannesburg-based side.
He told varsitycup.co.za that playing for the Emerging Boks against the British & Irish Lions (in 2009) was the highlight of his career, whilst he regards losing the Lions' captaincy earlier this year - in addition to the 2007 Currie Cup Final defeat at the hands of the Cheetahs - as the lowest points he has experienced.
"It was difficult stepping down as captain, but it was (the) best for the team," said the Paarl-born lock who, like most professional rugby players, has always wanted to represent his country.
Van der Merwe, 28, followed the 2011 Varsity Cup with interest.
He was at the FNB UJ v FNB Tuks semifinal and was quite impressed with the event in terms of the turn-out, the tournament in general, the enthusiastic involvement of students and management - plus the entertainment on offer and, of course, not forgetting a great display of rugby. Furthermore, Franco is certain that more Varsity Cup players will be getting provincial calls given the intensity of the Varsity Cup in 2011.
Even though his side - NWU-Pukke - did not do so well this year, he remains certain that the best is yet to come from Pukke; starting in 2012!
Franco has always been quite the athlete who participated in anything he possibly could. As a result he fancied a cricket career once, but rugby prevailed and he has not looked back.
Quite the diplomat, he confesses to not having a favourite player, but has made many friends - with opponents and teammates alike. However, he admires and looks up to the likes of Bok captain John Smit and Varsity Cup 'god-father' Francois Pienaar... and hails their leadership qualities.
By Kate Nokwe
* Kate Nokwe is a Johannesburg-based freelance journalist and a recent Lady Rugga finalist. Follow her on Twitter, twitter.com/katenokwe
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