Test return: Schalk Brits
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Schalk Brits has revealed his excitement over returning to the Springbok squad for the upcoming November Internationals.
The former Stormers hooker has become one of the star names in the Aviva Premiership, scoring many memorable tries and proving to be one of the driving forces behind winning the Premiership title for Saracens in 2011.
Having moved overseas, Brits concluded that his international career with the Springboks had come to an end. That was until a phone call from Heyneke Meyer last week.
"It was so unexpected," Brits told The Daily Telegraph.
"I never imagined that when I played against Australia in Perth in 2008, that it would be my last cap. But it looked that way. You always have a dream, you always hope, but the reality was there.
"I knew I'd made my bed in many ways by coming to Saracens three years ago. The chances of playing for my country again were slim to nothing."
"And now? Well, look, there are a stack of injuries in the Springboks, I've got the call and if they want me to hold a tackle bag, I'll hold a tackle bag, come on for 30 seconds at the end of a game, I'll come on with a smile on my face. I'm going to relish every second. It's a second lease of life."
Brits added that despite being away from Test rugby, his move to Saracens had proven to be incredibly successful.
"Beyond my wildest imaginings, I can't believe how it's turned out," he said.
"Brendan Venter sold me his vision for Saracens and, boy, it's been better than even he described it."
"Saracens have made rugby fun again. There's hard work to do, of course and I have to say my front five forwards around me have made me look good. But there's so much more to it all at Saracens."
Comments
paulynz says...
Thanks fellas...
Posted 18:14 04th November 2012
letsgoboks says...
I agree with paulynz
Passion, is what rugby is all about.
Posted 15:35 04th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
He's like a 3rd centre and a great hooker. With Sarries it's a16 man team with Britts on.
Posted 13:13 04th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
And humility from a player who right now would be the best hooker in the world. BDP is the only hooker that would start ahead which puts Britts on the World 15 bench in my book.
Posted 13:11 04th November 2012
J_Hdk says...
saracens have made rugby fun again lol
Posted 10:48 04th November 2012
new_j4a says...
@martinmarais78...martin what are YOU on about. Somebody from NZ says something positive about the spirit of rugby in the South African context and you have a go.....making, as usual, very little sense.
Posted 08:56 04th November 2012
paulynz says...
@martinmarais78
What are YOU on about?
Posted 00:00 04th November 2012
martinmarais78 says...
Paulynz, WTF are you on about? Without Bismark and Strauss just back from injury after a loooong season you never know. Half-full optimism!
Posted 19:54 03rd November 2012
paulynz says...
"And now? Well, look, there are a stack of injuries in the Springboks, I've got the call and if they want me to hold a tackle bag, I'll hold a tackle bag, come on for 30 seconds at the end of a game, I'll come on with a smile on my face. I'm going to relish every second. It's a second lease of life."
What marvelous, marvelous pride and spirit at being called up to represent your country. Take note the Quade Coopers of this world...
Posted 18:26 03rd November 2012