This week we were privileged to spend some time with Hugh Bladen for an in-depth interview on this rugby legend. Bladen began his rugby career in 1963 when he played for the Transvaal U/20 team. He moved to the professional league in 1965, until 1971, where he was a part of the Transvaal team.

Both young and old are familiar with Bladen – either from his playing days or his current commentary of rugby matches on SuperSport.

So sit back and enjoy learning more about this admirable legend.

Name: Hugh Bladen Position: Fly half / Centre What year did your Amateur rugby career start? In 1963 I played for Transvaal U20, I played Transvaal from 1965–71 (on and off – due to injuries) but I played my first game in 1965 and my last game in 1971 Can you tell us of one or two highlights in your Amateur Career? In particular what stands out for me is the friends I made, what I achieved and all the ambition it took to be chosen to play for the Transvaal team, you know I used to come watch rugby at Ellis Park when I was nine years old and once after a game my mother came to pick us up and I said to her, “I want to play for Transvaal one day”. What club did you play for? Wanderers Rugby Club What is your occupation? I had a jewelry business for 35 years, but now I am a SuperSport commentator.

Are you still involved in rugby in any form?
Yes, commentating and I am a trustee member of the Old Boys Trust at the GLRU

Are you still in contact with former team mates?
Yes I am still in contact with old team mates but in particularly Sid Nomis

Who in your opinion was the Jonathan Kaplan of your time?
Doctor Bertie Strasheim

The laws and game statistics of rugby have changed dramatically. How do you think you would cope in the new game of rugby?
Well, if I were built like I was when I first played for Transvaal and played now I would be run over, but I do think its all relative. In my final year I hurt my knee quite badly and a former Springbok, Des Sinclair, was a chiropractor and he said I must go to a gym in town. He advised that the only way I would get over my injury is if I went to gym. So for the first time in my life, when I was 26 years old, I went to a gym, but my career was almost over by then. But now if you go to KES, Affiees or any top rugby schools, they have a gym at the school. I mean its all relative. I was a little skinny oak when I played for Transvaal but if I had been doing weights since 15, I might have been quiet a big oak.

Who was your role model whilst growing up?
My mother, but otherwise it would be Keith Oxlee (Springbok flyhalf) who I eventually played against.

Did you ever see yourself achieving what you have achieved when you were a teenager?
Yes, because I have always worked hard.

Do you have any advice for aspiring or current rugby players?
Yes, enjoy it as much as possible and be aware of enjoying it while it lasts. I think if I had a different attitude I would have enjoyed my rugby career a lot more than I did. I had this burning ambition once I started achieving success in rugby, but then I was injured quite badly.

What is the best advice you received as a rugby player that you would like to pass on to our current Lions team?
Run where there aren’t any defenders.

Who was Transvaal's toughest opponent in your era?
The Blue Bulls and Western Province were equally tough. We however, never lost to the Blue Bulls, but were beaten once by Western Province.