YOUNG versatile English flanker Maxwell Jack Siddle arrived on the Rhinos doorstep last month and has been plying his rugby trade for the second team in the Castle Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who hails from a small village named Rushmere in Ipswich, England, pounced on the opportunity to play for the Empangeni Rugby Club after visiting South Africa in 2013.
‘I was down on holiday two years ago and fell in love with the country, so when I got the opportunity to spend my gap year in SA, I did not hesitate to pack my bags,’ said Siddle.
The youngster took up the game of rugby at the age of 13, after spending his childhood playing football.
‘I needed a bit of a change, so I tried out rugby and have never looked back.’
Maxwell plays or the Ipswich Rugby Club’s first XV, but while in Zululand, wants to experience the different cultures and style of rugby here.
‘I have played three games this season for the Rhinos 2 outfit, and have found that the rugby is much more physical than back home.
‘Players are also more focused on their individual jobs on the field, and the heat is something to get used to.’
Siddle will be heading home on 28 May for a week, where he will go for interviews and tests to see if he can join the army.
He then heads back to Empangeni where he will complete the season, before heading back home on 5 September.
‘I am going to study mechanical engineering through the University of Portsmith next year, and need the military bursary to help me achieve my goal.’
The ‘Pommie’ has experienced a little of what Zululand has to offer in terms of hunting and surfing.
His motto is – work hard, play hard.
Siddle hopes to make the Rhinos first side and make a positive contribution to the local rugby club.
Maxwell has two younger brothers back home, aged 14 and 16.
Maxwell is backing his role model Chris Robshaw and the England team to win the World Cup later this year.
