Boks turn over new Paige
JOBURG – Former UJ captain, Rudy Paige, has joined the Boks for the upcoming World Cup.
Rudy Paige has been selected to join the Springboks to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Paige is a former captain of the FNB UJ rugby side. He played for the University of Johannesburg in 2011 and 2012. His rugby career saw him play in the Golden Lions Craven Week side as well as represent the Golden Lions in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup.
Paige has since made the move to the Vodacom Bulls in order to gain more game time with the support of coach, Frans Ludeke. The move has paid dividends as Paige has been selected ahead of other scrumhalf possibilities, Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach.
Paige plays alongside Springbok fly-half, Handrè Pollard in the Bulls side and feels that the combination may have played a role in his selection. “I’d like to think we make a good combo,” said Paige, ” I understand the way [Pollard] plays and we enjoy playing together.”
Paige is the only uncapped player selected in the World Cup squad. He exuded focus in the week before his departure, “I’m just taking it day by day. I’m trying to learn my place in the team. I’m excited about learning from players like Ruan [Pienaar] and Fourie [du Preez]. It means a lot that people back in Jozi still support me. All the support I can get is vital to my first game.”
The Sprinkboks are set to leave after a send-off ceremony on 11 September at Montecasino and will face Japan in their first World Cup match on 19 September.
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