Williams driven by desire to be a rugby success

Rosco Williams left his family in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, at 12 to pursue his career in rugby. His school in Cape Town did not offer the sport that he and his family loved for generations, and after playing at the club Collegians, he was scouted and moved across the country alone.

Now, the 17-year-old is a Youth Olympic silver medallist with the Team SA Sevens rugby side and is fuelled by his passion for the sport, and his love for his family, to push on and achieve greater.

“It was very difficult moving away from home. I went to a boarding school, and I have been living away from my parents for five years. I go back to visit them during the school holidays and I keep close contact with them, but it is tough being away from them.”

The electrifying Williams believes the opportunity to represent his country is a privilege that few achieve. His father was an avid rugby player who played for Boland and passed his love for the game onto his son. The close relationship Williams has with his father is a driving force behind all he does.

“Wearing this shirt with my country over my heart is an honour. I want to take my rugby as far as I can and achieve the dreams that my father never had the opportunity to. I want to make the step up to the Blitzboks, and then perhaps to the Springboks after that.

“I understand how lucky I am to be in this position and I have had to make many sacrifices to get to this point. It has been difficult living without my parents, both for them and I ... I will not let this gift go to waste and I will push myself as far as I can for us all.”

The Grade 11 student at Glenwood High School has had an unforgettable experience in Dakar, with a standout performance coming in the semifinal against Argentina where Williams scored two incredible tries in the final minute to seal Team South Africa’s victory. After the match, the respectful young player called his family back home.

“That match was amazing. I called my parents to tell them about it, and they said they had been watching. My father was in tears over the phone, and it meant the world to me to hear how proud they are of me. My family is my biggest motivation and they remind me why I am dedicated to this sport through all the ups and downs.”

The future is incredibly bright for the young Williams. Rugby is a part of his DNA as it has been for generations in his bloodline. His ambitions are fuelled by love and loyalty leaving no ceiling to what he may achieve in the coming years.