FNB UCT Ikeys’ Hendricks motivated to be at the top of his game

FNB UCT centre Lyle Hendricks says coming from a big sporting family, he always knew he wanted to play rugby. Not that it was necessarily an easy decision, as cricket was also in the mix for the 24-year-old new Ikey Tigers recruit.

The former Paul Roos Gymnasium learner has joined UCT for the current FNB Varsity Cup season after spending a few seasons at FNB UWC.

"The culture and environment created by the players and coaches here make it easy for someone coming in to fit easily into the system without any problems," says Hendricks.

Looking back on growing up, Hendricks says his family was all he could ask for in terms of support as he managed to make the right decisions.

"Funny enough I had to choose between rugby and cricket in school. I attended Paul Roos Gymnasium and coming from a particularly strong sporting family, I decided to go with rugby.

"My brother Liam also is a rugby player who represented Western Province and is currently playing in France.

"My brother and dad have had a big impact on the player I am today. They are my biggest supporters and my biggest critics, and I appreciate the guidance and support they give me daily."

Hendricks says he has been a huge supporter of his brother's career but the player he looks up to the most is the former All Blacks great Sonny Bill Williams.

"As a player, I see myself in a professional set-up again where I have played for the Western Province and the Stormers. I would like to get there again and be at a union in South Africa or overseas.

"The player I always looked up to is Sonny Bill Williams, because he plays a similar game to me, entertaining, creative, physical and skilful."

by Ayanda Frances Felem