Blitzboks star David Brits loving life with Boland in the Currie Cup

Something special is brewing in the Boland after the Currie Cup Premier Division returnees shocked the Cheetahs in last week’s opening round of the much-loved domestic tournament.

The men in black beat the Free Staters thanks to a score in the eighth minute of extra time, in front of a packed crowd in Wellington, to announce their return to top-flight rugby.

One of the ecstatic Boland players was a former Cheetah in outside centre David Brits.

The 28-year-old Brits is on loan from the Blitzboks and produced a standout performance in front of a packed stadium. He not only crossed the tryline himself but also set up flyhalf Ashlon Davids’ second five-pointer of the afternoon, making the final pass to Davids.

The home team won the match with Donovan Don, also a Blitzbok, scoring the winning try in the 88th minute. Brits’ performance was full of energy, which would have pleased head coach Hawies Fourie, who coached him at Maties and the Cheetahs.

“It’s been absolutely incredible,” said Brits, who was a schoolboy star at Selborne College. “Honestly, it’s some of the most fun I’ve had playing rugby in a very long time. It’s a real privilege to be back playing the 15-man game again and to be part of a team that’s so hungry to succeed in the Currie Cup. It truly feels like a blessing.”

He says facing his former team made the occasion even more special.

“Making my debut for Boland was very special, especially going up against my former team. And for us to get the win the way we did... I’ve never been in a game that went eight minutes over time and still ended with a win like that. It’s something I’ll remember for a very long time.”

Brits reflected on how special it was to have familiar faces in the stands — a luxury not often afforded in the globe-trotting Sevens circuit.

“To be able to play in front of your loved ones and friends again is a privilege. Don and I don’t get that opportunity often with Sevens, because you're usually playing at strange hours, especially in South Africa. So, to walk out onto that field knowing my mom, my girlfriend, and some of my best friends were in the stands was incredibly special.”

Brits believes the Cavaliers have the right mix to do something special this season.

“We’ve got fantastic coaches and an incredible amount of talent in the squad. Even after just one game, you can already feel what it’s doing for team cohesion. I truly believe this team is capable of delivering some outstanding performances.”