FALSE BAY RUGBY CLUB
Tel: 021 054 6338
FALSE BAY’S LATEST INTERNATIONAL
Through the years False Bay RFC has had a number of Internationals amongst their ranks representing a host of nations.
We’ve had, amongst others FC Smit, Niel Hugo, Dale Santon, Nick Mallett, Mark Neill, Laurent Cabannes, Fabien Galthie and Mike Poppmeier for Germany.
Our latest addition to that list is Riaan O’Neill who has represented Zimbabwe in both full format rugby and more recently the Sevens game.
We asked Riaan a few questions:
What is your background?
I’m 21years old - turning 22 next month
Matriculated at Wynberg BHS in 2012, we finished in the top 10 in SA (1st XV)
Irish surname and Afrikaans first name, tell us more.
I was born in Zim and moved to Cape Town when I was 6 - I travel back to Zim a couple times a year to visit my family who still live there. Haha my dad is very Afrikaans so I guess he's the reason for my Afrikaans name
Tell us about your Zimbabwe rugby representation:
I made my debut for Zim Sevens last year at the Hong Kong tournament, I played in Cape Town 7s, Olympic qualifiers and 2016 Hong Kong 7s. I made my 15s debut for Zimbabwe in 2014 in the RWC qualifiers in Madagascar.
What appeals to you about the Sevens game?
I enjoy the speed of the game in Sevens, as well as the open spaces and the high handling skill levels. And of course the shorter time spent on scrum time.
Are you enjoying yourself at False Bay RFC?
Yeah I'm really enjoying my time at the Bay so far - there's some great rugby being played by a great bunch of guys. We have a high skilled group of players who I have learnt a lot from in my short time. I believe this team will achieve a lot this year. We have a great balance of youth and experience as well as a professional coaching trio.
What are some of your rugby goals?
My rugby goals are to win the league and the Gold Cup this year with the Bay. I also want to qualify for the Olympics later this year with Zim Sevens as well as qualify as a core status team next year. I would also like to qualify for the RWC 2019.
Your personal motto:
My personal Motto isn't too serious but I always want to make sure I'm having fun in whatever I'm doing as well as giving my all and to make make as many friends and memories as possible.