FNB CPUT centre Jacquin Jacobus aims to teach on and off the field

For FNB CPUT rugby player Jacquin Jacobus, rugby and education go hand in hand as he currently pursues a degree in Teaching at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Jacobus believes both the classroom and the rugby field are spaces where young people can be shaped and inspired.

Before arriving at CPUT, Jacobus studied at the CUT in Bloemfontein in 2021, where he also played rugby, but his love for the game began long before that.

“I realised rugby was my dream at a young age when I experienced the discipline, teamwork and sense of belonging that the sport offers,” he says. “It quickly became more than just a game; it became a purpose.”

That purpose now extends beyond personal ambition; Jacobus chose to pursue both rugby and teaching because he believes they are powerful tools for transformation.

“Rugby builds resilience and unity, while education opens doors to opportunity,” he explains. “Combining the two allows me to help learners grow in the classroom and through sport.”

On the field, Jacobus plays outside centre, a position that suits his agility, awareness and ability to stay composed under pressure. The role demands strong communication and game understanding, whether creating opportunities in attack or stopping opposition plays in defence.

Balancing academics and rugby require discipline and Jacobus says accountability and communication with lecturers and coaches help him manage both responsibilities effectively.

Representing FNB CPUT, he adds, means being part of something bigger than himself.

“It represents brotherhood, unity and shared goals. It’s about trusting your teammates and committing to the process.”

Looking ahead, Jacobus hopes to use rugby and education to mentor young people and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

 “If I can inspire even one kid who doesn’t have it easy at home, that would mean everything.”

For Jacquin Jacobus, the dream has always been rugby. But the bigger mission is to teach, to lead, and to inspire, wherever the game and the classroom may take him.

By: Mihlali Maraule.