Tim Swiel
Sharks flyhalf Tim Swiel says he has settled in nicely at English club Harlequins, who he joined on loan last year.
Swiel, 21, will stay with the London club until the end of February before returning to Durban.
In an interview, Swiel said he’s learnt a lot in the few months at Harlequins.
Sport24
“Playing in the UK at a high level club is a great experience, especially for my personal development. It has been easy settling in. I moved in with George Robson, who has been at ‘Quins for 10 years and knows the club and the places around London very well.
“Having gone on a school exchange back when I was 16, I knew a bit about the English culture, weather and people. The weather poses different challenges to what we have back home in South Africa, but I feel I have easily adapted to the conditions when playing alongside some of England’s top internationals.”
Swiel also highlighted the importance of his position – flyhalf – in the English game.
“At ‘Quins, the flyhalf is referred to as the main game leader as he makes most of the decisions on the pitch. It has been great to watch the effort Nick Evans puts in when we do the analysis work of the game early on in the week.
“The calls I make have to go from the flyhalf to the second row at lineout time, so the on field relationship I have built up with George Robson has been great. Another player I have learnt from is Nick Easter. He has a smart rugby brain and knows his way around the field.
“I’ve learned is to trust my instincts when taking control of the game. That’s the strength of the pound when buying steak!”
When asked about his toughest opponents while at Harlequins, Swiel responded: “My toughest opponents were George North when we played Northampton, Jamie Heaslip against Leinster. Leinster also had 14 Irish internationals and Alesana Tuilagiin their squad!”