Jarryd Buratovich – Rondebosch captain
Rondebosch Boys' High host neighbours and fierce rivals Diocesan College (Bishops) in an FNB Classic Clash on Friday morning. Jarryd Buratovich, as Headboy of Rondebosch, leads his school and its 1st XV into battle.
A born and bred South African of Croatian decent (his great grandfather came to South Africa during World War II), who lives on the doorstep of Wynberg Boys' High and whose father went to SACS Jarryd is an interesting character. There is rugby in his blood though as Jarryd’s father captained the SACS 1st XV while his mother’s maiden name was Venter.
Jarryd Buratovich was born in Cape Town on 27 February 1988 but spent his formative years living in Johannesburg, Durban and Plettenberg Bay. He has played in the forwards for most of his life but spent a brief spell in the centre at junior school. He was in Plettenberg Bay long enough to make the SWD Under-13 Craven Week team as an eighthman. Since moving to Rondebosch in Grade 8 he has campaigned in the loose forwards.
Jarryd says he is enjoying been headboy of Rondebosch but says that it is a lot of hard work. In some ways it has been a rude awakening. He has realised that a school doesn't just run itself and even complained about parents' intervening when he tries to punish their sons, a situation he finds unfathomable and one of the quirks of modern society!
Jarryd played openside flank for the 1st XV for most of last season but has moved to the blindside this season, this despite characterising himself as a fetcher and strong defender. He does not have one single rugby role model but of late he has particularly admired the play of Richie McCaw and Sébastien Chabal. Jarryd says that McCaw is of similar stature to him and always manages to have a huge impact on the game, while leading from the front and giving 100% commitment.
Rondebosch have a young team this year and are struggling in the very demanding Western Province league. Their only wins to date are against Jeppe (at the KES Festival) and Collegians RFC. With eleven Grade 11’s in the team and a useful under-16 team there is hope for next year. For Jarryd it has proved unfortunate that in his final year he is leading a team who are struggling to compete.
Despite that, he is looking forward to Friday’s game against their more fancied opponents. Last year Bishops came to Rondebosch for the second game of the season as clear favourites and only sneaked in 14-12 thanks to a last gasp conversion. Bishops have two Rondebosch old boys in their pack (Jeff van Breda and Wesley Chetty who are both doing post-matric at Bishops) and Jarryd is especially looking forward to meeting his old team-mates on the field.
Surprisingly for a headboy Jarryd has no clue what he wants to do next year or what he eventually intends to study. For now his plans stretch as far as Friday and the possibility of a huge upset against the old foe.