#TuksRugby: Young Guns captain, Jayden Sam, plays to make his dad proud

Posted on March 20, 2023

When the Tuks Young Guns captain, Jayden Sam, runs onto a rugby field, it is to prove that size does not matter and the main goal is to make his dad proud. 

He is 1.67 metres tall and weighs barely more than 70 kilograms, but be aware. Sam firmly believes that size should never define "who you are as a rugby player".   

"To me, it is simple. As a small guy, you got to bring something unique to rugby. In other words, you got to be able to outsmart the bigger guys. I am pretty chirpy on a rugby field. I like to get into the heads of my opponents. So often, I would chirp the opposition hooker as he got ready to do a lineout throw-in."

When asked whether he considers himself a cocky player, the Tuks rugby player initially denies it but then admits his attitude on the field could be perceived as self-assured.

"My work rate is possibly my biggest asset as a player. I never stop running. I want to be where the ball is. I got to do so as I want to create a continuous platform from which we could set up scoring opportunities."

Sam quickly points out that he would not have been able to live his dream without his parents' sacrifices. 

"As a family, we did not start out with much in the Western Cape. But from when I can remember, my dad has been putting in the long hard hours to make a difference in our lives. He never complained. He is doing so out of love. 

"I hold my father accountable as my role model. He is, without a doubt, my number-one supporter. He has shared my dream since I seriously committed to the game. It is my time to give back for everything he has done for me."

Tuks is the defending champion of the FNB Varsity Young Guns. Unfortunately, they did not have the best start to their 2023 campaign, losing 33-29 against North West University. The same two teams contested the 2022 final.

If Sam can have his way, no team he plays for will ever lose, but experience taught him that sports will always have setbacks. 

"Last year, we did not have the best of starts. We also lost against Northwest in our pool game encounter but learned from our mistakes. It enabled us to continuously play better rugby. Getting to beat NWU in the final was a beautiful moment."

When Sam wants to have time out from the game, he loves nothing more than to sit at the dam at Tuks's sports campus. I love natural beauty. I was privileged to see some fantastic sunsets sitting at the dam.

"It is when I am at the dam that I get to clear my mind. Sometimes it feels like it is only me, the birds, the water and the fish. One of my seniors suggested that, at times, I should write down my thoughts on paper. I often do so. It is really therapeutic."

- Author Wilhelm De Swardt

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