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Cape Town - While Blitzbok Werner Kok will be gearing up for the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series campaign, he hopes to receive more opportunities to play XVs rugby in the near future.
Kok made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province on the wing this season. It was the first time he played XVs rugby since running out for the WP Under-19s in 2012.
The former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year said he enjoyed his experience with the Cape side, who managed to reach the semi-finals of the domestic competition where they lost 36-30 to the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
“It was the first time I’ve played XVs rugby in four years, so the game felt a bit long. However, I managed to adapt after a few weeks,” Kok told MyPlayers.
“The journey to the Currie Cup semi-finals was great. Although it wasn’t the result we were looking for against the Bulls, the players did well to reach the playoffs as many people wrote us off during the competition
“I watched the match again and it was a very entertaining game. Scoring a try in the semi-final was definitely my highlight of the competition. After Chris van Zyl’s intercept, Juan de Jongh did very well to set me up down the touchline.”
Kok hopes to play more XVs rugby in the future.
“A few unions were hoping to secure my services after the sevens season since last year. I thought Western Province was a great fit as they’re based near my home in Stellenbosch and I know a few players in the squad,” said Kok.
“I’d definitely want to play more XVs rugby when possible. I’d love to experience Super Rugby and of course, it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to play for the Springboks.”
Kok has re-joined the Springbok Sevens set-up following the Currie Cup. The Blitzboks enjoy a two-week holiday before resuming their pre-season training in Stellenbosch.
“Kwagga Smith and I have planned an outdoor trip to Mozambique. We’ll be spending some time out there exploring and fishing. It’s going to be a nice break as I love the outdoors.”
Following his impressive performances on the sevens and XVs stage, Kok’s alma mater Nelspruit High recently awarded the 23-year-old with the school’s highest sports honour.
Kok said it was one of the highlights of his career.
“To receive such a big award from my old school was amazing. It was great to be back at Nelspruit High, seeing some old faces and meeting some new ones too.”
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