Willem Alberts has found the fountain of youth as the veteran Lions enforcer empties the tank before hanging up his boots at the end of the season.
Known as the “Bone Collector” for his massive tackles and strong carries, the seasoned forward’s contract with the Johannesburg outfit expires at the end of June, when he will be 40 years old.
Alberts played 43 Tests for the Springboks, and was part of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup squads.
The Lions still harbour high hopes of a top-eight finish in the Vodacom URC, as Ivan van Rooyen’s troops are in 10th position on the overall standings, and a maiden appearance in the playoffs would be a fitting end to Alberts’ 19-year professional career.
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Speaking post-match at Ellis Park on Saturday with SuperSport pundits Gcobani Bobo, Kaya Malotana and Kobus Wiese, Alberts shared the inspiration for his final stretch.
“It’s an honour and privilege to still be able to play at this stage. It’s grace and mercy from above because the body is old but the mind is still strong, so I can still keep on going,” he said.
“Maybe my parents made a mistake when they did the registration for my birth certificate but I dunno, it’s fun – rugby is fun and I enjoy it. I want to end my career on a high and it’s been good.
“I love being a teamman and giving more to the team than I want to get out of the team. So that’s the recipe for it [longevity].
“It’s great for me to be able to play and train with these youngsters because that keeps me young as well.”
😂 “Maybe my parents made a mistake on my birth certificate!” @4KobusWiese and @KM12SPORT just had to make sure Willem Alberts isn’t actually 30 years old!
A true legend of South African rugby 🦁 pic.twitter.com/Jd6kpEUG0Z
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 13, 2024
Photo: @LionsRugbyCo/Twitter