Scrum of the Earth /

Whoever said blondes have more fun must've been in the South African dressing room when Jean de Villers is around. The serial joker leads by example and had it not been for persistent injuries, the Western Province inside centre would've been the star of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Always looking ahead, the 27-year-old from Paarl, showed exactly what we missed out on with a string of glittering performances in the recent Tri-Nations. Ladies and gents, it's Bukio

G'day Jean, how's things? What have you been up to?

I'm good mate. Not been up to much, had the final team photo of the year today and now for a bit of a holiday…

You must be looking forward to coming over?

Yeah. It should be a good contest - the three games - it’s something to look forward too and gives us an opportunity to end the year on a positive note. Obviously I’ve got to get selected first but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Robbie Fleck’s been championing your case as a potential Springbok captain…

It’s always good to hear but Robbie’s probably a bit biased because we played together when I started my career. It’s good to know that your names up there but ‘when’ and ‘if’ the opportunity may arise, i’d love to have a go.

Have you got the minerals?

The secret to any captain’s success is the players around him and the support he gets from them. The most important relationship in a team is between captain and coach. You’ve got to be on the same wavelength, especially when it’s not always about rugby issues or the games on Saturdays. Captaincy is about much more than that.

Is it similar to the bond between schoolboy and teacher?

I definitely learned a hell of a lot. There’s stuff that happens off the field in South Africa that no school or coach could teach you or prepare you for. The traditions and history of Paarl [Gym] taught me an awful lot and that kind of education is vital, but much more important was the stuff you picked up away from school.

Did you reap the benefits of being a superstar rugby player?

For sure. I’d advise any school kid to play sport and stay active because there are so many benefits. Some of the friendships you make stay with you forever and certainly going to a sporting school, where the rugby team affects the whole atmosphere of the school, prepared me for the professional arena.

What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve seen on the rugby field?

In one of my first games, a kid playing with me ran off to score a try and accidentally ran the wrong way to our try line and dotted the ball down dead. He was so stupid but i’ve never had any embarrassing moments.

Did you ever have a job?

I didn’t work. I got contracted to Western Province straight out of school, so I started while I was still at Paarl. I didn’t do anything like a paper round. It’s not something I’m proud of but still feel very privileged.

I read somewhere you keep all of your shirts and like your gadgets… Would you say you’re slightly too materialistic?

Every time I get to put on the Springbok, Western Province or Stormers jersey - it’s special occasion - I like to treasure them. One day I’ll tell my kids a story about every shirt - that special try or big win - but I’ve started to give one or two away to charity. I tend to keep all the best ones for myself.

What’s your most treasured item?

My first Springbok and Western Province jerseys have pride of place in my house. They will always be dear to me. And obviously my World Cup gold medal although I didn’t participate too much to earn it. It’s still quite special.

Aren’t injuries a bitch?

Definitely. The sooner you learn that injuries are part of the profession the better you’ll be off. I’ve managed to deal with the World Cup injury really well because I’ve had some in the past and learned to deal with it. It does make you stronger as a person and you learn hell of a lot about yourself.

Has rugby made you a better person?

Rugby teaches you discipline - to work hard, not only with your team, but also in your own environment. When no one is watching, that’s when you need to put the time in and the more you do the more rewarding it is. Discipline and learning to deal with disappointments are very important. It’s when you realise how important family, friends and trusting in your beliefs are.

So what would be your idea of perfect happiness?

Wow! That’s tough one… quite deep eh? For me I’ve been relatively successful as rugby player but I realise those rugby will only last so long. Eternal happiness would be to settle down, get married, and be a good father to my children and a good husband to my wife. If you can be successful in that regard, you’ve done very well for yourself.

So if we came to visit, where would you take us?

To a wine farm. There’s so many around here and so many beautiful wines in Cape Town. Growing up in Paarl, which is a famous wine region, I tend to rate myself as a wine connaisseur. I’d have to take you to the mountains, there are some real beautiful spots.

And what about dinner?

Me cooking? We’d definitely have some steak and that should be enough. Depending on how long we’re talking about - we tend to talk-eat-talk and eat again - but I reckon I’ve done close to a KG in one sitting.

What do you miss most when you’re traveling?

My dogs. I’ve got two Jack Russell’s - Lielo and Butchy - they both sleep with me.

Butchy?

After the infamous Butch James. Him and Schalk [Burger] are both great friends and it just proves how important your friends in rugby are.

So you’re ranked as the best inside centre in the world…

It’s a nice label to have. That’s why you play sport - to be the best. Obviously your first goal should to become the best in your position in your own country, but being the best in the world is the ultimate goal.

What skills do you need to be the best?

Consistency, distribution and decision-making are ultimately the most important things. Defence is also vitally important but if you combine all of them, then you should be quite well off.

You’re known as a bit of an interception specialist - do you practice it?

It comes down to decision-making - I picked up the skill pretty early on in my career at school - I used to do it a lot, just by summing up the situation and once it comes off a few times, it becomes a bit of a habit.

Do you enjoy the limelight?

It’s definitely a good thing. There are bad times as well, especially when it invades your privacy and the people that are affected the most are your family. They understand it’s all part of the territory.
 
Any other pet hates?

I hate lateness. I don’t enjoy waiting for people. Queues and lines give me a headache.

And finally, if you could change one thing about rugby?

Enjoy it while it lasts because it can really end quickly.

Cheers Jean, you're a legend! We'll grab a game of golf when your over...

Sure thing mate. Sounds good. Take care...

Cheers!