FNB Wits forwards coach Etienne van As to bid Wits Rugby adieu
- Tshepiso Mametela
FNB Wits have made notable strides in the Varsity Cup competition and elsewhere over the last few seasons, thanks in part to the efforts of their experienced forwards coach, Etienne van As.
Since arriving at the institution nearly six years ago, his job has been more than to provide support to the head coach but gone on to encompass serving as a solid point of reference for the exciting group of youngsters under his tutelage.
In a year that has changed the face of the contact sport as we know it, van As is readying to close the curtain on an illustrious career in the colours of Wits Rugby. The 58-year-old is embarking on his swansong outing in a coaching role he has made his own and, impressively, excelled within.
Wits Sport spoke to van As to unpack the journey he has had. Among many things, he revealed it has turned out to be an incredible experience contributing to the programme and celebrating one milestone after another in FNB Wits' evolution as a University rugby side to be feared.
The full interview can be read below.
WS: You have enjoyed massive success with FNB Wits in the last few seasons, particularly on the FNB Varsity Cup stage. To what do you attribute the strides made here?
EVA: It was priceless. Looking back at the past few years’ Varsity Cup successes, Wits made themselves competitive and a force to be respected. The hard work of the Wits rugby family (rugby office, administration, management and players) paid off.
WS: What has been your biggest joy in the forwards coaching role for what has become one of the more recognised rugby Universities in the country?
EVA: The unity between myself and the players due to the fact that forwards coaching sessions have always been physical and require extreme hard work.
WS: What philosophy have you consistently strived to impart? Why has this been important and do you feel you reached most of the objectives you set out since joining the ranks in 2015?
EVA: The philosophy of Wits’ management of the last few years was to make a difference in every player’s life on and off the field. The time spent with the players should not only make a difference on the field but, more importantly, away from it. I believe we achieved this.
WS: Why is it important to have a robust HP programme in ensuring the institution plays its part in producing provincial and/ or junior national team players?
EVA: A few years ago, the club battled to produce enough teams to compete but now we are proud to know how many players are successfully involved. Many Witsies are playing top-level rugby such as the Currie Cup, SA juniors as well as at provincial junior competitions.
WS:The institution enjoyed an impressive 2020 Varsity Cup campaign, going unbeaten after five rounds and bagging a first-ever victory UJ. Did you see this as an indication of the strides made?
EVA: Of course, but not only in the Varsity Cup but also during the club seasons over the past few years. All the Wits teams in the league did extremely well and it is something to be very proud of. Wits Rugby is for sure a force to be reckoned with.
WS: Your mandate at FNB Wits has been simple: To assist the head coach in the delivery of an effective programme. Incidentally, this happens to be your brother, Hugo. How have you been able to pair up as seamlessly as you have away from your bond as siblings?
EVA: Coaching with Hugo for many years has been a great privilege. I think we’ve paired up seamlessly because we are a close family with a lot of respect for each other. In our family, our work and our social lives, we get to spend a lot of time together. Hugo’s passion for Wits Rugby encourages everyone to work seamlessly together.
WS:You have developed and mentored many a promising forwards player in your time in the blue and yellow. From these, which are your picks as the stars of the future for rugby in SA?
EVA:I prefer not to mention names but watch this space: quite a few players going through the Wits Rugby system will play at the top ranks. I am and will always be a proud Witsie.
Coach Etienne van As at the 2020 Varsity Cup