Ruan de Swardt explains how AB de Villiers helped him make his decision to choose cricket over rugby as a career path in this exclusive Q&A with Nabeelah Fakier.
De Swardt is a product of Affies and an all-rounder for the Titans and Northerns Cricket.
The 21-year-old is one of 13 players in history to have represented SA Schools in both rugby and cricket – He was also contracted with the Blue Bulls, and represented them at Craven week as a fly-half.
Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs and former Springbok fullback Conrad Jantjies are two players also on that list.
We thought it was fitting to hear De Swart’s story especially with the Rugby World Cup in full swing and the cricket Domestic season in the infancy stage.
How did you decide which career path you’d follow?
“It was a really tough choice to make, but I actually spoke to AB [de Villiers]. It was like two weeks or three weeks before the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola week, and he told me that there’s going to come a time when there’s a sign that will tell me ‘listen, this is the way to go’.
“I told myself that I would give myself Coke Week and the opportunity to see what happens there. It seemed like I could do no wrong that week – I was named the Player of the Tournament, Bowler of the Tournament, as well as All-Rounder of the Tournament. SA U19 selection followed and I knew 100% that I was going to choose cricket. So I’m really really excited about that.”
Former Proteas and Titans legend AB de Villiers also played both cricket and rugby, playing fly-half for Blue Bulls U18, as well.
Do you have any regrets with your decision of choosing cricket?
“Definitely not, I don’t have any regrets. It’s been a really enjoyable ride so far and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. So I definitely do not have any regrets about choosing cricket, I really love the sport”
What was your experience like playing for SA U19 in 2017?
“SA U19 was an amazing experience, it’s obviously the pinnacle of your school career and it was actually a big dream of mine to play in the SA U19 side. Finally getting that opportunity against Sri Lanka was one of the proudest moments in my life. I still remember it like it was yesterday. The friends we made… we were really a great bunch of people on that tour, and a lot of those outstanding cricketers are playing a lot of Franchise cricket today.”
De Swardt attends the University of Pretoria, also known as TUKS, studying psychology.
He also represented the university in the Varsity Cup tournament which took place in September this year. Tuks retained that title by beating UJ in the final.
You’ve recently just retained the Varsity Cup title with Tuks – you were involved in a match-winning partnership of 55 with Neil Brand.
What was that like and the tournament overall?
“The Varsity Cup is always a wonderful tournament. The partnership between myself and Neil was really exciting. We said we just need to absorb the pressure for about 2 overs, we knew if we stayed there for about 2 overs the game would be done.
“The tournament as a whole was really great. It gives young players the chance to make a name for themselves because our games are broadcasted on TV so you get a lot of exposure to put your name out there. We made a lot of friends across the different teams. There is a lot of camaraderies. But all-in-all it was a wonderful tournament.”
De Swardt’s preferred batting position at No 4. He’s a left-hand batsman and a skilful seam bowler.
Being an all-rounder, do you find that you train more intensely than others who only have one discipline?
“Yes, obviously being an all-rounder you have to actually double up on work, so I would say I definitely have to do a bit more than the other players.
“Personally, I love working hard so I actually prefer doing more work. I feel like I get to know my game better and find out new things about myself – what I can improve on and what is working for me. The training is definitely a bit more intensive, but I really enjoy it.”
Are there any challenges you’d say you face being an-all rounder?
“Just to keep my body fit. Being an all-rounder you could be in a Test match on the field for 4 out of the 5 days, so I would have to make sure my fitness is up to standard, making sure that my body is in shape and just making sure that I’m not injury-prone.”
What has been the biggest hurdle you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge for me was just coming out of school… everybody wants to move quickly up the ranks, so for me, the biggest hurdle was just to stay patient, bide my time an improve my game. I could see that the 3 months that I waited at the start of my career helped me a lot.
If I had to give anyone advice I would say: “Don’t want things too early. If you ready for it and it comes, make sure you are prepared. Stay patient and always keep your mind locked on the end goal.”
Where do you see yourself in the pecking order when it comes to Titans selection?
“At the moment I would say I’m close to getting selected, but I’m just trying to focus as much on my game and improving. I’m using the knowledge of all the wonderful players around me at the Titans. I’m trying to perform, whether I play for Northerns or for the Titans, I just want to give my best at all times, and just perform for the team and make sure the team goes forward.”
Are you looking to focus on a specific format? Or would you like to aim for all three?
“I see myself playing all three formats. I’m a very dynamic player and I adapt to the different formats quite quickly. I can really see myself excelling in all three formats because I’ve got a different dimension for every single format.”
What are your goals for yourself and with the Titans this season?
“For myself, I would love to be involved with the national academy towards the end of the year, and of course next year. I just want to play as much cricket for the Titans, perform and try to cement my place when I get the opportunity. I know I must give it my all because if I enjoy the game and give it everything it normally works out really well.
As a side, we would love to win both the One Day Cup as well as the 4-Day series, so we are working really hard on that. We’ve been training really hard as a side and really gel together nicely. The goal is to win both trophies that are up for grabs.”
Since you’ve played rugby as well and it’s the World Cup, who’s been the standout player and who do you think will take the title this year?
“I would say the top two teams are probably South Africa and New Zealand and both will make the final. That’s my biggest pick. The player who impressed me the most at the WC is definitely Cheslin Kolbe. I think he set the world alight with his electrifying pace, as well as his stepping game. He just brings a different dimension to the Springboks as well.”
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
