As a first-year student, FNB Rhodes scrumhalf Ethan Goliath is participating in his first FNB Varsity Shield tournament in 2023, but don’t let his small stature fool you.
Goliath hails from Makhanda in the Eastern Cape and says his whole reasoning behind coming to Rhodes University was to make the Varsity Shield team and experience rugby on a different level from what he has been accustomed to. Not only that but to also showcase his talent to the rugby world.
Goliath got his first taste of the sport by playing touch rugby in the street with his friends. He attended Mary Waters High School and at the age of 13, he made the under-15 side. Four years later at 17, he was chosen for the first team.
Standing only 160 centimetres tall, Goliath says there have been coaches who doubted his abilities on the rugby field. He however always knew that he had the talent to succeed and being selected for the Rhodes Varsity Shield team is the proof.
“I have the heart of a lion and the mindset of one as well, and that is what makes them the most feared predator.”
Rhodes head coach James Winstanley has also heaped praises on the youngster, saying he has immense potential to influence the game of rugby.
Blitzbok speedster Rosko Specman is the player Goliath has always looked up to. Specman like Goliath hails from Makhanda and attended Mary Waters High as well.
“He has shown me that a small-town boy with a big dream can make it to the big leagues”.
by Aiden Daries
