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Since my retirement from rugby 11 years ago I have taken some time off rugby, but since the incredible Rugby World Cup 2019 victory I have been getting back into the game. The opportunity to be an Ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2023 could not have come at a better time for me, I am absolutely ecstatic to have this honour, and I am very much looking forward to supporting the Springboks in France in 2023.
I am going to be honest here, apart from watching the rugby and supporting South Africa, I am really looking forward to drinking French wine on a vineyard somewhere in Bordeaux, visiting a castle in the region of Centre Val-de-Loire known for the best castles in France, and eating French cheese. I might come back a few kilos heavier!
I feel that the Springboks will have a huge burden on their shoulders going into the Rugby World Cup as current Champions, but I also believe that Jacques and Rassie come with enough experience to perform well again. I am also of the opinion that we have a strong camp of players with a lot of depth.
Pool A is going to be a real killer with France the home team and the always in-form All Blacks, its very tough to choose a team this far out. For fun, let’s say the French.
Pool B, I don’t think South Africa could have asked for a better route to the Quarter-Finals. I am not disrespecting Ireland by saying this but I believe that at this stage the Springboks in current form are a clear favourite to win this pool.
Pool C, this is a difficult one to call; Wales is always strong when performing at this level, Australia can beat any team when they have their internal problems sorted and when they have a strong coach. I will go with Wales at current form.
Pool D, how many times have we seen Argentina crash big teams when no one expected it? They will be a strong contender in this pool but ultimately it will be England that will come out on top in Pool D.
This is an easy question, The very first time I represented the green and gold, it happened in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff in 2002.
© Howard Cleland
I work for Edupower Skills Academy, we assist South African companies maximizing the points on their BBB-EE scorecard by means of skills development. In my private capacity I do talks to schools and corporates about mental health and how to stand back up after a dramatic event, which stems from personal experience.
I have my own podcast called Life with AJ Venter, it’s on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Over the years I have tried my hand every sport that I could, from barefoot water-skiing to American Saddle horse-riding and everything in between! I was competing at the highest level in athletics and rugby but really enjoyed golf, enduro, snow skiing and hiking as fun sports. But if I could choose a sport apart from rugby and athletics it would be snow skiing, I absolutely loved it!
© Howard Cleland
For many years I have not watched live sports, it was just a choice I’ve made for personal reasons, but to be honest I have thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics that just finished, I was glued to my screen at night after work!
I am passionate about life, I am passionate about improving, I am passionate about my family, I am passionate about the universe, I am passionate about the power of the mind and I am most passionate about my life partner Danielle Oldfield.
Depending on the weekend but you might find me climbing a gorge in the Drakensberg or you might spot me sipping white wine on a wine farm in the Western Cape, some Saturdays you will see me in the gym and other days you might spot me on a bicycle in the bush. I love life and want to squeeze every bit out of it.
AJ Venter is Edusport’s Ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2023. If you’re interested in a Rugby World Cup package, then contact him on aj@edusport.co.za.
