Assuming the Playmaker Role - Lions rugby

Assuming the Playmaker Role

We catch up with Emirates Lions flyhalf Fred Zeilinga.

We catch up with Emirates Lions flyhalf Fred Zeilinga.

Time at the Emirates Lions

It’s been great to be back after a year and a half in the wilderness in terms of not playing any rugby after returning from Japan due to the pandemic. When I got the chance to join the Lions there was quite a bit I needed to work on both physically and mentally in order to give my best for the team. The first six months were tough, but after been giving a few playing opportunities, my confidence improved, and the body was feeling good. Importantly, the enjoyment factor started to emerge.

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship Experience

I had the opportunity to play in what was then the Pro14 representing the Toyota Cheetahs which was quite an experience for me. The Vodacom United Rugby Championship is a massive tournament where the best of the best gets to test themselves against one another. The players are quite upbeat and there’s a positive vibe at the franchise. As the tournament progresses in terms of us adapting to conditions and the format, we’ll certainly back ourselves to be a force in this competition.

That Stormers Game

What a game! I personally saw it as an opportunity to express myself as a playmaker within the realms of our game plan for that day. Everyone combined well on the day. To be fair, we had several weeks to prepare- which consisted of cancelled games which we needed to get over. Overall, it’s exactly what we needed going into the December break.

 

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On Having Fans Back

It definitely lifts the mood of the team. Hearing cheers from the stands is a massive motivator. While the numbers may be limited at the moment, the impact is still felt. We hope that as time goes by, and more fans get the jab, the attendance numbers will increase.