Kevin de Klerk

What year did your Amateur rugby career start?
Transvaal started in 1971 and ended in 1984 and my Springbok Career started in 1974 and ended in 1981

Can you tell us of one or two highlights in your Amateur Career?
My highlight was my very first cap for Transvaal, I was 21 years old and we played against Western Province, which was full of Springboks amongst others Tiny Naude a Springbok lock whom I played against.

Another highlight for me was my first Springbok Cap in 1974 and the most memorable test series playing against the All Blacks in 1976, winning 3 tests to 1.

What club did you play for?
I played 11 of 13 tests under the Diggers Rugby Club and 2 while representing Alberton Rugby club.

Where do you live now?
Johannesburg

What is your occupation?
I own my own business called Orion Metals Enterprises; it is a demolition and rehabilitation company. We have been around for the past 20 years.

Are you still involved in rugby in any form?
Current President of the Golden lions Rugby Union

Are you still in contact with former team mates, Springboks and club players?
Yes, all of the above and more specifically Richard Prentiss, Johan Straus and Klippies Kritzinger, we all try to take an annual trip to the bushveld together. I also still have contact with many old players through the Golden Lions Old Players Trust which I am a member, together with Sid Nomis, Hugh Bladen, Corrie Pypers and Swys Joubert over the last 8 months.

Who in your opinion was the Jonathon Kaplan of your time?
Kas de Bruin, Max Baise and Gert Bezuidenhout

The rules and game statistics of rugby have changed dramatically how do you think you would cope in the new game of rugby?
The rules have changed dramatically and I believe that the game today affords the modern player greater protection, which I believe is good. We probably would have not lasted 10 minutes with the modern teams, but then they would have to survive those 10 minutes against us and there could have been possible causalities.

Who was your role model whilst growing up?
Avril Malan and Frik du Preez

Did you ever see yourself achieving what you have when you were a teenager?
Yes, my passion then and going forward made the means justify the end. It was tremendously hard work, as it is for any sportsman striving to reach the top.

Do you have any advice for aspiring or current rugby players?
Advice to younger players: there is no substitute for hard work, if you want to be better than your opposition, work harder and smarter. Become the player that the selector selects first and then the balance of the team.

What is the best advice you received as a rugby player that you would like to pass on to our current Lions team?
Always believe in yourselves. Stay humble in your successes and never compromise your values. Continue to believe that you are an integral part of this proud and rich Lions heritage. We as a union greatly value our players and their contributions and so must we all come to value each others contribution to the success of our brand.