Schalk Brits
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| Brits against Harlequins | |||
| Full name | Schalk Burger Brits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 16 May 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Empangeni, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Weight | 100 kg (15 st 10 lb) | ||
| School | Paul Roos Gymnasium | ||
| University | Stellenbosch University | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | Hooker | ||
| Professional / senior clubs | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2009– | Saracens | 93 | (75) |
| Provincial/State sides | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2002–03 2004–05 2006–09 |
Western Province Golden Lions Western Province |
? 13 27 |
(?) (15) (10) |
| Super Rugby | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2005 2006–09, 2011 |
Cats Stormers |
11 52 |
(0) (15) |
| National team(s) | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2008– | South Africa | 5 | (0) |
Schalk Brits (born 16 May 1981 in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal) is a South African rugby union footballer.
Personal life
He married Colinda Wijnants on 29 January 2011 in Greyton, South Africa.
Western Province
Brits played for the Western Province from 2002 to 2004 and rejoined the Cape franchise in 2006–09.
Stormers
Brits played for the Stormers for 4 seasons making 51 appearances for them and managing to score 20 points.
Saracens
Brits made his debut for Saracens in the season opener against London Irish. Brits scored his first try for Saracens on 27 September 2009 against Gloucester, the result: 19–16 to Saracens. Brits scored 7 tries in the 2009/10 season and was praised for his pace and ball carrying skills. Brits played every minute in the Guinness Premiership Final against Leicester Tigers, which Saracens lost 33–27 in one of the most exciting finals in Guinness Premiership history. Brits is now regarded as one of the most exciting players in the English Aviva Premiership.
Brits was voted Players' Player of the year in the 2009/2010 season.
In the 2010/2011 grand final against Leicester Brits won the Man of the Match award. Saracens won the match 22-18 after a nailbiting final nine minutes when Saracens defended the lead with Leicester encamped on their try line.
On 27 June 2011, Brits moved back to his former club Stormers on a short term loan deal. He played as a back rower for the South African side in the Super Rugby semi final against the Crusaders as a replacement for Duane Vermeulen.
Brits has now returned to play his usual, expansive role with Saracens and is regarded by many as the finest hooker in world rugby.
In January 2012 he signed a new deal with Sarries that will keep him at the club for at least the next 3 seasons.
International career
Brits has made 5 appearances for South Africa. He made his international debut against Italy in 2008. Many called for the return of Brits to the international stage based on his sensational form in the Aviva Premiership. These calls were finally heeded with his inclusion in the Springbok squad to tour Ireland, Scotland and England during the 2012 November Tests. He came on as a substitute in the match against Scotland to earn his 4th cap. He earned his fifth cap against England replacing Adriaan Strauss, beating England in a close contest 16-15.[1]
External links
References
- ↑ http://www.sarugby.net/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=104981&category=&leagueid=0&homeid=10941&awayid=10931&fullview=true
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