Q&A with Wigan Pekeur

varsitycup.co.za caught up with UJ and Lions speedster Wigan Pekeur - a man who has had a rapid rise this season; from club rugby to the Super 14.

Wigan, an accounting student who was born and raised in Stellenbosch, played for the Maties first team in his second year at the club, before downing the Black & Orange of the University of Johannesburg.

Since then, however, the 22-year-old has quite literally been flying; earning a call-up to the Lions' Super 14 squad and scoring two tries on debut against the fearsome Hurricanes (in New Zealand).

Q&A with Wigan Pekeur:

(1) Varsity Cup (VC): How has the 2010 season been for you so far?
Wigan Pekeur (WP): "I have had a good start to the season (so far) - especially with my call-up to the Lions Super 14 team."

(2) VC: What plans do you have with the UJ First Team this year?
WP: "I'd like to secure my place in the first team at wing, and improve and work on my positional play at the same time."

(3) VC: Well done on a good victory against Alberton on Friday night. What are your thoughts on UJ's performance?
WP: "The game was very scrappy, simply because we were not playing according to our structure, which is something we need to improve on."

(4) VC: What has been the highlight of your season so far?
WP: "Getting a Super 14 call-up to join the Lions overseas and scoring a two tries against the Hurricanes in Wellington."

(5) VC: Do you have any goals for the year?
WP: "I hope I play well enough in my position to get a call-up to play (for the Lions) in the Currie Cup later this year."

Pekeur (who attended Bellville Technical High School) is another example of a player that was not selected for Craven Week rugby whilst still at school, but - yet - he still managed to force his way into the famous Maties first team in just his second year at the university.

A very humble gentlemen, who knows what he needs to work on in his personal capacity, Wigan is very determined to play top-level rugby in South Africa and, with this in mind, he certainly did not disappoint against Alberton - securing the ball every time it was kicked in his direction and also scoring one of his team's seven tries on the night.

Wigan Pekeur, the Prodigal Son from the Bosch!

By Andile Mdleleni