Dubai Exiles Rynardt van Wyk and Ed Venter snapped up by AS Macon

Matt Jones - Editor 09:21 14/05/2015
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  • Rynardt van Wyk (l) and Ed Venter have signed for French third tier team AS Macon.

    Two departing Dubai Exiles players are aiming high – to one day play in France’s Top 14 to be precise.

    The club’s player of the season Rynardt van Wyk, 24, and teenage starlet Ed Venter, 17, have both been snapped up by French third tier team AS Macon.

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    Macon, based near Lyon, finished fifth in Pool 2 of the Federale 1 this season, which is the highest level of amateur rugby in France, a tier below the Rugby Pro D2 league and two below the Top 14.

    The South African duo had standout seasons in the UAE, Van Wyk nominated for the prestigious Player of the Season accolade at the UAE Rugby Annual Awards, while Venter was in the running for the Best Youth Expat Player of the Season. 

    All-action Van Wyk, a former professional who played for the Sharks and Bulldogs as well as for the Springbok 7s back home, says he is determined to make it to France’s elite echelon of rugby.

    “I have got a big goal. I want to play in the Top 14,” said the Johannesburg native. I’m sure, if I put in the hard work, I can make it happen. I’m going for this.”

    Van Wyk travelled to eastern-central France for a 10-day trial in April but was handed a two-year senior contract after just two days. 

    “The coaches on that side (France) are confident I’ll make it.” 

    The powerful forward arrived in the UAE eight months ago and he has enjoyed his maiden season with Exiles, whose first team coach Gareth Venter, Ed’s father, helped to get him a job with his own firm, GammaTec.

    “When I was back home I was playing under pressure and you sometimes forget what the games are about. If you get contracted you’re so excited but after the second year it just becomes like a day job. I almost forgot how to enjoy the game.”

    Exiles team-mate George Perkins and coach Venter, however, convinced him to give Perkins’ brother Reggie, a recruiter in France, a call.

    “I said I was here to work. It was a career change because I’d been playing rugby all my life, but I will approach this differently.”

    Van Wyk’s successful trip led to a trial for his young club mate, who also impressed, and was given a three-year academy contract. Both start their new lives on July 1.

    Van Wyk has high hopes for a man he considers family.

    Big future: Rynardt van Wyk has the attributes to become a top class player.

    “I think he (Ed) will do fantastic. He’s got great commitment, a big heart and he’s cool headed,” said Van Wyk. “He’ll have me to look after him like a big brother. His father’s been like a father to me.”

    The teenage full-back is also aiming high. 

    Venter broke into the Exiles’ first team this season and says playing and training alongside Van Wyk has inspired him.

    “Rynardt changed me a lot. He coached me to be a better player.”

    Venter senior admits their departure fills him with immense pride.

    He said: “No-one’s ever bigger than the game of rugby and for the youngsters to live out their hopes and dreams, for the coaches that have helped develop them there’s nothing more gratifying than that. These guys have to go and live their dream.”

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