Diary of a Dundee Kid – Stellenbosch Acadamey of Sport
Our own Angus Fraser was selected for the Macphail Scholorship this year, a prestigious accolade which has included notable Scottish Rugby players in the past, Finn Russell, Johnny Gray and John Barclay to name a few.
We took the opportunity to catch up with the Dundonian to see how he’s fairing in Africa, the cradle of civilisation.
DR: How’s the Stellenbosch Acadamey of Sport and how are you enjoying it so far?
AF:
“Ok so just started the seconded block of pre-season training which is focusing more on the contact point. In the first block it was a lot of fitness to get us started and then throughout both the weeks we have been going though technical points and shape of how we want to play but in the games. It’s been a great learning experience and the coaching has been at a high standard with all of the coaches being ex professionals, Ernst Jobert (Saracens) Chris Rossouw (Toulon) Corne Uys (Sale & Falcons). We have had a lot of time to work on skills and can see the improvements made especially with throwing.”
“Have been to 2 of the varsity cup games which have been amazing with over 15000 pupils there supporting Maties it is quite a atmosphere.”
DR: What are the digs like and the facilities? Do they rival the famed Dundee player’s accommodation lovingly known as Alcatraz?
AF:
“We’re in a block of flats right next to the main building and pitches it’s kinda like university halls but for athletes. We aren’t the only ones here Western Provence u19 and SA sevens team stay here too and different types of athletes like the Denmark Olympic triathlon people are here and swimmers and come and go for training camps”
DR: Who do you bunk down with?
AF:
“I’m with an American boy called Jonas who plays hooker too, he’s a typical Yankee Doodle loud as the come. But better than rooming with someone like Ceillem, he’s a total W**ker”
We’re not sure why Ceillem’s walking is such a problem for Angus, but hey!
DR: We know that Angus is a bit of a pie muncher, so we went straight for the most important questions. What’s the food like and have you tried any local delicacy’s?
AF:
“Canteen food is a hit or a miss and the serve weird things like lamb neck stew. But it’s always a bit of meat potatoes or sweet potato and broccoli and cauliflower. My Afrikaans teammates have hosted a couple braais which were class cooking us south African sausages and steaks.”
DR: So when are your first games, and how can the Dundee faithful follow you?
AF:
First game is the 22nd of March, SAS (Stellenbosch Academy of Sport) is our team and they have a good social media so can get them on Facebook called SAS Rugby or Instagram SAS_Training.
DR: So how hard is training and are you getting much free time, how are your compatriots getting on?
AF: “The other boys are all doing well, training is hard with Tuesday and Thursday being our heavy training days. We haven’t had much free time yet, but it’s great fun and we’re enjoying the weather. We will be getting an Easter Break and we’re planning on maybe going to some of the South Africans boys place! ”
DR: Hanging around with the lads eh Angus, somethings never change? Have you even seen a SA female?
AF: I’m an absolute lady killer and the SA women are fawning over me (May not actually be a direct quote, please don’t ask the author about this…)
DR: Angus, do you have a message for the Dundee lads?
AF: “I have been following there games and has been looking good so keep it up and try to keep climbing the table I guess”
This author may have taken some liberties with Angus’ quotes, but it’s clear the youngster is doing well and loving life.
All at Dundee wish Angus all the best and will be following with great interest! #doingthecrownproud
Next week we catch up with former Dundee favourite front rower Shota the Georgian Bear.
