Twenty-three-year-old Andrew Beerwinkel (TuksRugby) might not be just one of the most seasoned campaigners in the Varsity Cup Tournament he is definitely also one of the intellectuals.
Tomorrow when Tuks face Madibaz at Tuks Stadium Andrew will earn his 28th Varsity Cup cap. He made his debut for Tuks in 2013 against Maties.
At the moment it is not just about rugby for Beerwinkel. He is an avid student who is currently busy with his Master’s degree in Sport Science. He does not hesitate to call his both his studies and rugby his passion. One of the most exciting but also challenging times for him was when he was part of the South African under-20 team that played in the 2013 IRB World Championship in France.
“It was a real honour to be able to play for South Africa but from a student perspective it was frustrating as I had to put my studies on hold for six months. It was difficult for me because it my studies are important to me.
“I have set myself the goal to study for six years. Once I have my Master’s degree I will probably do one more degree. It will probably be Biokinetics as I think it will come in handy when I start my career in Sports Science. I also have an honours degree in Sport and Recreational Management.”
Beerwinkel sees playing rugby, hopefully even at the highest level, will ease him into the job market when he retires in about ten years.
For the last two years Beerwinkel has been playing as a loose head prop and he relishes the challenge but if he could have his way he would like to play tighthead again. It was the position he played when he the national selectors first took note of his abilities. He also played for the South African Schools team.
“There is something special about being the tighthead. It is often said that when a team is being selected the first name that gets dotted down is that of the tighthead because it is such a vital position in any team. I think it is good thing for me to be able to play both positions.”
Beerwinkel does not want to say much regarding the apparent antics of the forwards, especially the front row, when it comes to scrumming. Apart from saying that the rugby scrum is a unique habitat with various interesting specimens who duel it out. A proper scrum duel is according to him not for “sissies”.
“There are times during a game when I get up from a scrum and I have to stand still for a moment to remind myself what my name is and where I am. The pressure our bodies get exposed to during a scrum is quite intense, you could even pass out. The Springbok prop Marcel van der Merwe tells the story of how he once got up from a scrum to immediately drop down again. He was unconscious for a few seconds.”
Beerwinkel considers being part of the 2013 Tuks Team that won the Varsity Cup title as special.
“Varsity Cup rugby as a whole is a very special experience. Make no mistake it can be ‘war out there ‘as the games are very physical and played at a fast pace. I think Varsity Cup is a good stepping stone towards SuperRugby.”
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