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Port Elizabeth - Eastern Province Kings scrumhalf Kevin Luiters is relishing life back in his home province of the Eastern Cape.
During high school, Luiters made the decision to move from Selborne College in his hometown of East London to Grey College in Bloemfontein for better rugby opportunities. This came at a time when the sport was in dire straits in the Eastern Cape.
The switch proved to be fruitful as he was a regular 1st XV starter for Grey College, which is recognised as one of the strongest rugby schools in the country and has produced the most Springboks in the modern era. He also went to represent Free State and South Africa at age-group level, before playing senior rugby for Free State and the Springbok Sevens.
However, the recent growth and improvement of rugby in the Eastern Cape caught the attention of Luiters, and the 22-year-old completed a return home this year. He’s now part of the EP Kings squad that will compete in the Currie Cup Premier Division in August.
“Things are going really well ahead of the Currie Cup,” Luiters told the MyPlayers website.
“There’s great team chemistry among the players, and we have a great coaching team headed by Carlos Spencer, Michael Horak and Shaun Sowerby.
“We’re very happy with the way we’ve performed during our warm-up games. The challenge now is to build on that form going into the competition. We are not here only to compete; we want to be as successful as possible.
“Otherwise, life off the field has been good too. I’ve been able to reconnect with friends and family, and that helps a lot as I now have a strong support base.”
Luiters has been able to learn from several senior players in the EP Kings set-up, especially scrumhalf Tobie Botes, who has returned to South Africa from Italy, where he has played Test and club rugby over the past seven years.
“The Kings have an expansive game plan, which sees us play a quick, running game on attack. That’s the style of game that suits my strengths as I place a strong focus on providing quick service,” explained Luiters. “Where Tobie has had a great influence is teaching me how to control the game at scrumhalf.
“In Europe, where difficult conditions often force a tight game, the scrumhalf has a lot of responsibility to control the game plan by making key decisions and playing a part with the boot. So this insight has helped me a lot and has added to my development.”
Luiters is excited ahead of the journey going into 2016, when the Southern Kings will return to the Super Rugby fold. And looking at the junior talent coming through, he believes the future looks bright for rugby in the Eastern Cape.
“We see guys like Sergeal Petersen and Aidon Davis playing for the Junior Springboks coming through the EP structures. There are many more who have played Super Rugby and in other senior competitions,” said Luiters. “EP rugby is growing. Look at the talent that was part of the EP team that won the Under-18 Craven Week title last week. There are also more opportunities for the youngsters from SWD and Border.
“Hopefully most of that talent will remain here as there are great youth academies available. If I found myself in these structures back in high school, I definitely would’ve stayed.”
For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za
During high school, Luiters made the decision to move from Selborne College in his hometown of East London to Grey College in Bloemfontein for better rugby opportunities. This came at a time when the sport was in dire straits in the Eastern Cape.
The switch proved to be fruitful as he was a regular 1st XV starter for Grey College, which is recognised as one of the strongest rugby schools in the country and has produced the most Springboks in the modern era. He also went to represent Free State and South Africa at age-group level, before playing senior rugby for Free State and the Springbok Sevens.
However, the recent growth and improvement of rugby in the Eastern Cape caught the attention of Luiters, and the 22-year-old completed a return home this year. He’s now part of the EP Kings squad that will compete in the Currie Cup Premier Division in August.
“Things are going really well ahead of the Currie Cup,” Luiters told the MyPlayers website.
“There’s great team chemistry among the players, and we have a great coaching team headed by Carlos Spencer, Michael Horak and Shaun Sowerby.
“We’re very happy with the way we’ve performed during our warm-up games. The challenge now is to build on that form going into the competition. We are not here only to compete; we want to be as successful as possible.
“Otherwise, life off the field has been good too. I’ve been able to reconnect with friends and family, and that helps a lot as I now have a strong support base.”
Luiters has been able to learn from several senior players in the EP Kings set-up, especially scrumhalf Tobie Botes, who has returned to South Africa from Italy, where he has played Test and club rugby over the past seven years.
“The Kings have an expansive game plan, which sees us play a quick, running game on attack. That’s the style of game that suits my strengths as I place a strong focus on providing quick service,” explained Luiters. “Where Tobie has had a great influence is teaching me how to control the game at scrumhalf.
“In Europe, where difficult conditions often force a tight game, the scrumhalf has a lot of responsibility to control the game plan by making key decisions and playing a part with the boot. So this insight has helped me a lot and has added to my development.”
Luiters is excited ahead of the journey going into 2016, when the Southern Kings will return to the Super Rugby fold. And looking at the junior talent coming through, he believes the future looks bright for rugby in the Eastern Cape.
“We see guys like Sergeal Petersen and Aidon Davis playing for the Junior Springboks coming through the EP structures. There are many more who have played Super Rugby and in other senior competitions,” said Luiters. “EP rugby is growing. Look at the talent that was part of the EP team that won the Under-18 Craven Week title last week. There are also more opportunities for the youngsters from SWD and Border.
“Hopefully most of that talent will remain here as there are great youth academies available. If I found myself in these structures back in high school, I definitely would’ve stayed.”
For more exclusive player content, check out MyPlayers.co.za
