An Englishman on the Zulu stoep

JAKE Goodwin landed on South African shores on 6 June and has joined the Empangeni Rugby Football Club for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old from Suffolk, England is following in his brother Sam’s footsteps, who played for the Rhinos last year.

The 1.84cm, 112kg tighthead prop who has been plying his trade for Ipswich Rugby Club for seven years, made his Premier Reserve League debut against College Rovers, which saw him play for both Rhinos 1 and 2.

‘I started playing rugby at the age of 11 and have never looked back.

‘I came here to learn new aspects of the game and to improve my rugby.

‘I just came off a great season back home where we won our league and have been promoted to London North 1 League,’ said Goodwin.

He said back home they play a more expansive game of rugby as opposed to South African rugby which is much more physical.

Goodwin has played one game for the club thus far and ran out for Zululand against the South Coast in an Ebbo Bastard game.

The Rhinos will take on Durban Collegians away on Friday evening.

‘Corné Els is hosting me while I am here and I have gone hunting and look forward to deep sea fishing, game viewing and other experiences Zululand offers.

‘Zululand is such a beautiful area and the people are so welcoming and friendly.

‘It is going to take a while to get used to the weather here and different playing conditions, but I hope that I can make my mark and aid the club in the best way that I can.’

Goodwin will jet off to England on 1 September where he will take a player from the Rhinos back home with him to play for Ipswich.