Future Star: Garth April
10 Feb 2010
After snubbing an amateur contract with Western Province, April is making excellent progress at the Lions.
The 18-year-old has an impressive résumé. After representing Boland at U16 level, he played in two consecutive Craven Weeks for Boland and the Lions respectively, and was picked for SA Schools on both occasions. He was also selected for the SA U18 Elite side in 2008, the SA U18 High Performance programme last year and the provisional U20 Baby Boks’ 2010 Junior World Championship squad.
April believes he would not have achieved this success if he’d stayed in the Western Cape, his home province.
‘I decided to sign for the Lions because I believed I could achieve more and develop better as a player,’ says April. ‘Boland is a small union and I wasn’t interested in a future with them. Western Province did offer me a deal, but my mother advised that I shouldn’t take it because of the limited opportunities for young players in Cape Town.’
April attended St Albans Primary and spent Grade 8 at Berg River High before going to Paarl Gymnasium for two years. He returned to Berg River in Grade 11, but signed an amateur contract with the Lions and spent his matric year at Florida High School.
Recognised as a utility back for most of his career, April started playing regularly at fullback in recent seasons because of his educated boot and ability to counter-attack.
‘I’ve got quick feet, so I love one-on-one situations. If I get into a position, I’m going to beat you. I also have an eye for finding gaps,’ April says. ‘I’m focusing on my tactical and goal kicking because it will make me a better player. My only weakness is that I’m smaller than other players [1.70m and 74kg], but my pace makes up for that. I’m spending time in the gym to develop physically.’
After some impressive performances at provincial and national level last season, Lions U19 coach Wynand Moolman promoted April to his side.
‘Garth made a big impact in our semi-final win against the Bulls away from home. Although we lost in the final against Free State, he still had a great game. He’s definitely in my plans for this season and has a big future at the Lions. His game suits the style of rugby here.’
April confirms that he wants to be part of the Lions’ future.
‘I hope to be part of the U19 or the U21 squad this season,’ he says. ‘In five years’ time, I see myself playing in the senior team and hopefully be in contention for a spot in the Springbok side.’
By Gareth Duncan
– This article first appeared in SA Rugby magazine
20 Comments
10 Feb 2010, 11:36 am
why change schools so many times? Is your mom a rugby agent?
10 Feb 2010, 11:40 am
“decided to sign for the Lions because I believed I could achieve more and develop better as a player,’ says April. ‘Boland is a small union and I wasn’t interested in a future with them. Western Province did offer me a deal, but my mother advised that I shouldn’t take it because of the limited opportunities for young players in Cape Town.’”
That says it all about developing homegrown talent in the Cape…
10 Feb 2010, 11:42 am
What is an amateur contract? Is it like the one J Fourie had with the Lions?
10 Feb 2010, 11:47 am
@Transformation: That is ridiculous. The mother must be a piece of work
10 Feb 2010, 12:33 pm
@Rum And Maple: The Cape is full of talent, that could be the problem!
2 promising talents in the form of Garth April and Craig Barry in the same age group vying for the same position.
WP make an offer to 1 of them, the other loses out, has to seek a contract somewhere else…
Sometimes WP offer the contract to the wrong guy…
Its just an example, but maybe that is why some youngsters lose faith in WP? (hence why his mom wanted him to go)
10 Feb 2010, 12:55 pm
1.70m? Interesting.
10 Feb 2010, 13:23 pm
A bit on the small side.
10 Feb 2010, 13:48 pm
Maybe it is because the Lions are offering contracts to anyone who can hold a pen? A union with a greater exodus than the Israelites cannot really be a smart youngster’s first choice. Sounds reminiscent of the Rose Bros situation. Short term gain vs long term gain. Ouch!
10 Feb 2010, 14:59 pm
@Dantalian: he is only 18…a couple of centimetres and another 10 kg’s over the next 3 years should do him ok
10 Feb 2010, 15:06 pm
Listen to your mommy Big boy…and you can be the next Earl Rose…
10 Feb 2010, 15:08 pm
I met him! Nice oke
10 Feb 2010, 15:19 pm
@SpringbokSarah: name dropper…
10 Feb 2010, 16:03 pm
@Gambit25:
Craig Barry is bigger, faster, and (to be perfectly honest) better than Garth. Craig is also a year younger and was playing Grant Khomo as a flyhalf in 2008 in Garth’s first year in Craven Week as the Boland fullback.
Don’t get me wrong, Garth is an outstanding talent and was a little unlucky not to make the initial SA Schools side that was selected at last year’s craven week. He got in when Eric Sauls took over the SA Under 18 side that then played a few internationals. The Lions under19 backline looked much more dangerous toward the end of their campaign when Garth took over from Dewald Nel at flyhalf. He seems kind of small for a real look at the top level as a fullback, but I guess similar things would have ben said about Jason Robinson when he was coming up so I say he should go for it. Good luck to you son. Good call by your mom.
10 Feb 2010, 16:12 pm
@flanka: No doubt he’ll add a few kg’s but surely at 18 he’s as tall as he’s going to be.
Or was that just me?
10 Feb 2010, 17:19 pm
Still the size issue ?
10 Feb 2010, 17:30 pm
@Charlie: Don’t be fooled by the ladies that say it doesn’t. It does.
10 Feb 2010, 17:51 pm
Well, the Lions cant develop their own talent so by all means let them have him.
If he does bulk up and develop into a good player then we’ll just buy him back.
10 Feb 2010, 17:55 pm
size makes a telling difference but since he’s only 18 he can make it up
looking at wot kirchner put on from moving from Griquas to Bulls, i dont see why he cant put on another 15kg’s in 3 years
10 Feb 2010, 18:18 pm
another hobbit bolts from the shire.
where is the mythical midget factory in the cape?
good luck young man.
11 Feb 2010, 05:21 am
He should try out for the 7′s national team. A good way to get noticed.
Have your say
You must be logged in to post a comment.