Allister Williams arguably made the headlines as the first player of the 2025 FNB Varsity Cup to score three tries in a match, contributing to Tuks' dominant 35-8 victory over Wits in their season opener.

However, the Tuks hooker is quick to credit the entire team for his individual achievement.

"In the match against Wits, the conditions were harsh. It rained the whole time. I only scored three tries because we gelled as a team. Each try was a total team effort," said Williams.

A BEd student, Williams is one of the most experienced players in the current Tuks squad. He made his Varsity Cup debut in 2022, the same year Tuks clinched the title. Last year, however, was a bitter disappointment. As one of Tuks' two captains for the FNB Varsity Shield competition, Williams' campaign was cut short after he suffered a severe finger injury in the second match, preventing him from playing for the remainder of the season.

"I won't lie. To be sidelined was a huge disappointment. But then again, setbacks like that make you stronger."

Playing hooker is something of a family affair. Williams' father, Tony, also wore the number two jersey and played provincial rugby in his younger days.

"My dad taught me from a young age the finer points of what it takes to be a good hooker. According to my dad, to excel as a hooker equates to doing the basics right. It boils down to being an accurate ball thrower during lineouts and ensuring your team wins the ball in the scrums. That is what I strive for as a hooker every time I play."

When asked what he brings to the team as a hooker, Williams' answer was, "I'm not one of the biggest hookers, but I pride myself on making a physical impact in every game. I'm prepared to put my body on the line to tackle, and when I have the ball in hand, I get over the advantage line.

"What excited me about Monday's game against Wits was how well we executed our lineouts in wet and difficult conditions."

"Many people may think that the hooker just throws the ball, and the rest happens by itself. It takes absolute precision to throw the ball exactly where your teammates want it. Timing is of the utmost importance. As a hooker, you have to be ready for whatever call is made. As forwards, we spend two to three hours each week alone in sessions to improve our lineout skills."

There are many stories about how rough things can get when the front rows go head to head in the scrums. Williams doesn't want to elaborate on what exactly happens during a scrum.

"All I can say is that things do get tough. It sometimes takes a 'vark hart' to survive, meaning you must give as good as you get. After a match, my shoulder and back are usually sore, but it's a nice soreness. The pain makes me feel good. It reminds you that I did what was expected from me."