ERNST VAN RHYN SEPTEMBER 2025

WHAT AN ERNST VAN RHYN-CAPTAINED SIDE LOOKS LIKE

“It is a very privileged position to be in. Not much is really going to change with me as captain. What I have done up until now has got me into this position. We are blessed and privileged to have a really strong leadership group here, with a lot of experience in the team. I will be heavily leaning on that and sharing the load. I have to start with myself, I will work the hardest, as hard as I can, and lead by example.

“It has been great to have the internationals back and their experience. The management staff have kept things the same even though the game this week is on a Thursday. A big focus we have focussed on is our consistency. We have focused on our processes and doing the small things right from day one of pre-season. We know how important a good start to the season is. The earlier you can get momentum the better. We have seen the last few years how important a home semi-final is and what benefit it could give us if we get to the play-offs.

“I was captain at school and captained the South African Under-20s in 2017. I was part of the leadership group at the Stormers and was a stand-in captain on occasions. I learnt from guys like Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Steven Kitshoff and Salmaan Moerat.”

CHANGE IN ROLE NOW HE IS CAPTAIN?

“It is mostly the little things, being a spokesperson, handling the referees, being the face of the team. Day to day we are blessed with a strong leadership group. I am honoured that I have been chosen but not trying to change too much. Leaning on those experienced guys when necessary is important. I do not need to change who I am or what I am doing. The relationship with referees is a part of the game. Referees are also human so they have emotions. There is a plan as to handle referees but not something we have over-focussed on. It is something though we want to get right so we stay on the right side and an understanding that we are working with them, not against them.”

AMBITIONS TO PLAY FOR THE SPRINGBOKS

“The ambitions are there and the dream is still there to play for South Africa. As you get older I have learnt you can only control what you can control. I am enjoying my rugby the most I have done, that is not any disrespect to teams I have played for before, it is more a personal level where I am thriving and enjoying what I am doing. My focus is making our season the best season possible. I have found here at Sale it is not just a rugby place, it leads into other aspects of your life which is great. My focus is here and if that goes well individual bonuses will come.”

ARE PEOPLE BORN LEADERS OR SOMETHING YOU CAN DEVELOP?

“It is a balance of both. For me I have been blessed that it comes quite naturally. Over the years I have enjoyed the responsibility as it brings out the best in me. There is always space for learning. In my professional career I have played under captains and experienced players. There is always room for improvement and learn from different types of captains. There is always something to take from all of them. There are different leadership styles.”

FAVOURED POSITION OUT OF SECOND ROW OR BACK ROW?

“Short answer is I am perfectly happy to play wherever I am needed. I really don’t mind. The team is first. Deep down I would prefer on the flank more as it suits my game a bit more. The only preference is to play direct, which I have done at Sale. Whether I play in the second or back row I can play to my strengths here. If we get to a point where we win the Prem I don’t care where I am playing.”

IMPACT OF NEW COACHES

“Like any work environment or team setup, outside people coming in bring in a different perspective and a breath of fresh air, no disrespect to the previous coaches. It brings a fresh energy, it has been going really well. You can see Joe's [Ford] understanding of the game is so good, like his brother George. He has brought some excitement to our attack. Marco [Bortolami] brings a lot of experience. It is always good to get a different perspective and evaluate your systems.”