DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden fields a couple of questions, from settling in Cape Town and housework, to improving his game under forwards coach Rito Hlungwani.
You have been with the Stormers for just over a year now. How have you enjoyed living in Cape Town?
I have really enjoyed staying in Cape Town, I think it is such a beautiful part of our country and the people have been very welcoming as well. I never thought I would actually live here, sometimes I pinch myself with the realisation that I am staying here and playing for the Stormers.
As the main lineout caller, how have you enjoyed working with Hlungwani?
I have really enjoyed working with Rito, I have learned quite a lot from him in a really short space of time. Rito gives you quite a lot of freedom, but he also challenges you in a good way. He allows you to do what you want to do and share your thoughts, but he will also poke holes in your plans wherever it is needed. He is a good man, he can be quite intense at times but that is exactly what you need as the Stormers forwards coach. I have got nothing but admiration for coach Rito and have really enjoyed working with him. I’m looking forward to the journey that lies ahead, learning more and more from him.
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What would you say has been the highlight of your time with the Stormers so far?
There have actually been so many highlights already in the season and a half that I have been here. I hate saying it but I think my biggest highlight is also my biggest lowlight. I would have to say it is last season’s Vodacom URC Final. As gutting and disappointing as it was, it was such a great occasion, such a big spectacle. It was so great to see the people of Cape Town come out to support us like that. It was also good to see the support we had after such a disappointing loss as well, that really means a lot to players, not only the support when we win but the support when we lose as well.
Have you and your wife enjoyed setting up a home in Cape Town? Who would you say does most of the housework?
We have really enjoyed setting up a home in Cape Town and I think we have really settled in nicely now. When we first came here we stayed in the northern suburbs for a couple of months and then we moved into town to see what that was like. We took our time finding the right place and I believe we have done that, we have found a nice home and we are both very happy. My wife would probably say she does most of the housework, but I think it is split up well 50/50. We have got a good working relationship, I always try and help out where I can and so does she, so I think we have got a good thing going here.
For more, see thestormers.com
DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden spoke to us about settling in Cape Town, who does the most housework in his home and taking Forward Coach Rito Hlungwani’s job one day. #iamastormer #dhldelivershttps://t.co/gaey0rPUxC pic.twitter.com/HZCFBRNSvk
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