Tuks really are a Band of Brothers
It will be a special day in the Marais household on Monday when Wesleigh (23) and Donnovan (19) become the first siblings to represent FNB Tuks in the FNB Varsity Cup competition presented by Steinhoff International.
FNB Tuks play FNB Pukke in the opening round of the 2010 series.
It will, however, not be the first time that Wesleigh (pictured, right) and Donnovan (pictured, left) will play in the same Tuks side. They were in the Tuks starting line-up for the 2009 Carlton Cup Final and played many games together for Maroela, the defending Tuks Steinhoff Koshuis champions.
Both brothers told varsitycup.co.za they are looking forward to their first bite at Varsity Cup rugby.
"I'm highly exited as it will be a very special occasion for us as brothers as well as our parents who have always been a major driving force in our rugby careers," said Wesleigh.
"My father has missed but a few of our matches and he and my mother will again count amongst our greatest fans on Monday."
Donnovan agreed: "It's really something to look forward to. It will make for good rugby memories for me and my brother."
Wesleigh says he and Donnovan are such good friends that "rugby is not all we talk about".
He added: "Most of our rugby chats are immediately before of after matches when the adrenaline is still pumping in overdrive".
Both Wesleigh and Donnovan went to school at the prestigious Pretoria Boys High School, also the alma mater of Springbok hookers and captains John Smit and Chiliboy Ralepelle.
Even from just watching it on TV over the past two years, Wesleigh knows that to make it in Varsity Cup rugby a huge step up will be needed.
"Varsity Cup rugby cannot be compared to other club competitions as it is much more professional, intense and energy sapping," said Wesleigh.
"In contrast with other competitions where you have your easy games in which to take a breather, you have to be at your best in every Varsity Cup match."
By Morris Gilbert