Loads of rugby stories, experience and talent
The 56-year-old played with the likes of Naas Botha, Eric Herbert and Hugh Reece-Edwards during his career between 1979-1988, before being forced to retire after a serious neck injury
GRANTHAM Park Primary School sport co-ordinator Kobus Wernich played rugby at provincial level with numerous Springbok players in the days before rugby became a full-time professional career.
The 56-year-old played with the likes of Naas Botha, Eric Herbert and Hugh Reece-Edwards during his career between 1979-1988, before being forced to retire after a serious neck injury.
The rugby loving analyst and coach was born in the Free State and arrived on Zululand’s doorstep in 2009.
‘It is actually a funny story how things work out,’ said Wernich.
‘I came down to Empangeni on holiday and ended up getting a job as a co-ordinator/coach at the Zululand Rugby Academy in 2009.’
Wernich was part of the academy set-up from 2009-2011, before accepting his current job at the local government school in 2012.
But his rugby accolades, knowledge and experience are of top calibre, which he shares with his sports teams that he currently coaches.
Wernich played flyhalf for the Griffons team at Craven Week in 1978, before playing for the University of Free State and Free State U20 teams in 1979-1981.
He then was selected for the Free State B team and South African University U20 teams in 1981.
In 1982, he changed positions to inside centre after playing club rugby (Pretoria Police) and provincial rugby(Northern Transvaal) with Naas Botha in 1982.
‘Playing with Naas was one highlight of many in my career.
‘I regarded him as very professional and one of the best decision makers to ever play the game.’
That was a good season for Wernich, who played for the South African Police College side in Pretoria, South African Police team, Northern Transvaal U25 and senior sides.
In ’83, Wernich moved back to the Free State and played for the Free State B and Free State sides until 1984.
In ’85 he went to Welkom and played full time for the Griffons and Northern Free State teams with Eric Herbert till 1988.
‘In 1979, I broke my neck and was partially paralysed after tackling Hugh Reece-Edwards incorrectly.
‘But I managed to recover against the doctors’ predictions and returned to the field.
‘But after injuring it again in 1988, I decided to retire from the game which I so love.’
In addition to coaching rugby at Grantham Park Primary School, Wernich coached at Mancosa Empangeni Rugby Club (2009-2012), Richards Bay Rugby Club (2016) and Empangeni High School (2014-2015).
Wernich follows all rugby leagues world wide and enjoys completing TRX training.
Some highlights that he keeps close to his heart are being selected for the Northern Free State side that was set to play the All Blacks in 1985 and attending a one-on-one coaching course with his role model Jake White.
‘I regard Jake and Nick Mallet as my role models as their technical knowledge about rugby and achievements are phenomenal.’
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