SNOOPY: TOP DOG

False Bay RFC is enjoying possibly their most successful period in their 87-year existence, with the First XV (sponsored by DirectAxis) qualifying for the Gold Cup in September and October through their remarkable second-place finish in SLA2015.

This success as a club is no accident, with extremely hard work at so many levels contributing. The performances of the First XV are what the public follow, but the success and enjoyment of all of the Club’s teams is what the members and supporters notice.

DirectAxis False Bay First XV captain of the last few seasons, Michael Poppmeier, attempted retirement from the game to take up a coaching role with the German RFU (having represented Germany on a number of occasions). It appears that this retirement was short-lived as he recently represented them again in a match against Georgia. Nevertheless, he left a huge hole as a player and a leader at the Bay.

Coach Johnno van der Walt, astutely appointed his replacement at the end of last season to ensure continuity. Although leadership of a modern day rugby team in general rests within a group of players, the role of captain is central to success, extending way beyond on-pitch performances.

Graham “Snoopy” Knoop being the natural leader that he is, has always played a massive role in the team and False Bay in general. His drive in formulating the team ethos, club pride and team spirit is undeniable and he has been hard at work since being appointed as captain in setting new goals for the team (read “club”) since then.

He spearheaded a highly successful and extremely enjoyable “False Bay’s Got Talent” show late last year which showcased the more than ample entertainment talents of the players in an evening of fun, laughter and camaraderie.

Let’s get to know Snoopy a little better.

History (short):

- 2006, Started playing Club rugby in the U20 C team at UCT, Gunner Hughes was my coach.

- Moved to False Bay 2010, two great years with the Bay

- 2012 went back to UCT for 1 season to play Varsity Cup

- 2013 Returned to False Bay to play Super League B, promoted to Super League A

- 2013, played WP Vodacom Cup, then included into Stormers Squad

- Left to play for Ospreys and Bridgend in Swansea, Wales 2013/ 2014 season

- Loved the Bay too much, returned mid 2014.

Highlights:

- Beating Hamiltons and Maties in 2010, shock on opposition faces and tears in False Bay Members eyes.

- Playing Leicester Tigers away at Welford Road to a Full House.

- Watching Vlam in full flight, I would give up my car to watch him play just 1 Currie Cup game.

- Thursdays after practice

Your rugby philosophy

- Value the process not the result.

- All men are created equal, some just work harder in pre-season.

Your Bay philosophy:

- Front Up

- Dry Your Eyes

Your goals for the team on the pitch:

- For every player to understand their full potential

- For every player to finish the season without regret

- For every player to fulfill their story...

Team Goals off the pitch

- Leave a Legacy

- Create lasting friendships with the opposition

- Players to understand the responsibility and standards that come with wearing the jersey

Anything else you would like to share or add:

- You can live life a hundred times over and play at a hundred different clubs each time, you'll never find a place like False Bay.

- Many rugby players never get to experience what we have, It's Special.

- Throughout your entire life you'll never meet Characters like you do at False Bay. Honest, Genuine, Generous and Down-to-earth.

False Bay's success, stems from it's Comittee.

- "As you'll meet each other in a street in 30 years time, and there will just be a look, and you'll know then, just how special some days in your life are. And on that field today, between you, all there will be is a look. No words, just a look, and the greatest thing it can say is, "you are special, you are very very special".Go out, enjoy it. Remember how you got here and why, and finish it off, and be Special for the rest of your lives".

Sir Ian Mcgeechan