Rugby
Luke keen on clean slate
2009-06-16 22:06
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Luke Watson (Gallo Images)
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Stephen NellCape Town – Luke Watson is looking forward to, for a while at least, being a rugby player without baggage when he joins the English club Bath at the end of this year’s Currie Cup series.
“I’m looking forward to just being me and not being confronted by so many preconceived notions about who I am,” said the 25-year-old Western Province flank, who will soon be getting married.
“I’m getting married on 1 August. I’ve known Elaine (his girlfriend) for some time. We met at church.”
Watson has had a stormy year. Earlier this year, he was booed at Newlands after he angered rugby lovers in October last year with his controversial comments about the Springbok jersey.
But Watson then excelled on the field and though his performances were not rewarded with another inclusion in the Springbok team, he is once again a favourite at Newlands.
He said “Desperation” to follow the Lord’s will, motivated him on the field.
“There were some difficult times, but it was never overwhelming,” he said.
“I got an SMS from my biggest mentor, Jimmy Dowds (a pastor from Scotland) and he said he saw a lot of courage in me. It is desperation to fulfil the Lord’s will in my life. As soon as you put God first and realise that there is greater meaning, then mountains become molehills.”
“It would be an under statement to say I was hurt by what I experienced over the last few months. If you take a stand on something, you’re always going to get opposition.”
He said it was a big decision to sign a contract with Bath, “But I have never been scared of making big decisions. I’m leaving a comfort zone behind."
Watson said it would be a dream come true to win the Currie Cup with WP.
“I’m passionate about WP and the tradition that goes with the jersey. It would be incredible if we could win the Currie Cup. We are a young and inexperienced team, but many leaders are already stepping forward.”
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