Nizaam Carr

Nizaam Carr has realised his dream of becoming a Springbok after the No 8 was included in the year-end squad that will travel to the Northern Hemisphere.

His selection is warranted after being the stand-out player in the Stormers’ Super Rugby campaign as well as being pivotal to the success of Western Province winning the Currie Cup.

An emotional Carr said he rushed to the television at 11.30 on Monday morning for the announcement of the squad and, when he saw he had cracked the nod in Heyneke Meyer’s year-end squad, he nearly jumped a hole in floor.

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“I didn’t know [if I was in the squad] until 11.30. I rushed to be in front of the TV and when i saw it [my name], i just jumped up and screamed to my mother ‘mommy, mommy I made it’. I probably jumped a hole in the floor because I jumped so high. It’s unbelievable.

“It’s really indescribable, I’m at a loss for words. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity my whole life my whole life and have been working towards this,” he said.

Carr was given a taste of the Springboks culture in September, as they prepared for a Rugby Championship encounter against Australia in Cape Town, and used that opportunity to soak up as much as he could.

“Even though I was only there for one day, I took in as much as possible. Heyneke was very helpful in giving me advice, so I left that camp wanting to be in that setup.

“Being with the top players in the world to see how they operate and how the Bok system works was a massive learning curve. That’s how I see the upcoming tour as well. I just want to take in as much as possible and getting game time will be a bonus, I’m just happy to be part of the squad,” he added.

Known to his team mates as Neemo, he now joins a long list of players who have made the progression from the Varsity Cup into the Springbok setup and he feels it (Varsity Cup) is a great platform for up-and-coming players to gain valuable exposure.

“I think the platform created by the Varsity Cup is great because a lot of VC players are now playing Super Rugby. Look at Oupa Mahoje, at the beginning of the year he was the star player and now he is one of the best loose forwards in the country, and maybe even in the world. I have massive respect for the tournament,” he stated.

Neemo has not forgotten about the place where he began his career: his club side, Primrose RFC.

“It’s nice to know Primrose haven’t forgotten about me, I probably got 50 calls from the staff alone. They [Primrose] will always mean the world to me because it is, in a way, because of them that I am who I am today and they are definitely part of all my success,” he stated.

Primrose RFC President, Faaghier Gamieldien expressed his pride in having played a small part in the success of Carr’s career, having coached him during his age-group days.

“As a club, we are proud of his achievements. We always knew he would reach the highest level because of his work ethic and commitment.

“Everyone knows he was recruited by Bishops but before that, he played in our Under-14, U15 and U16 teams and I had the privilege of coaching him in those teams who went unbeaten for those three years.

“He has always been a Primrose person. Whenever he had a break from provincial duty, he would attend our games and, despite having all the expert coaches around him, he will always ask where he can make improvements to his game.

“He is seen as a role model and an icon to our youngsters and our community. His achievements gives them the motivation to reach for higher honours as well,” he said.