Van Den Berg and Van Wyk delighted with Springbok alignment camp call-up
- By S’fiso Nyawo
Congratulations once again to the former Wits Blues duo, Morne van den Berg and Henco van Wyk
The Wits Rugby Club were delighted to get the good news of former players, Morne van den Berg and Henco van Wyk, being called up to the 2024 Springbok alignment camp, with Henco unfortunately seeing his Springbok dream put on ice after suffering a serious injury in recent weeks.
Henco is fortunately recovering well after his surgery and hopes to be back out on the pitch soon.
Morne van den Berg on the other hand, who is a former Hoërskool Linden scholar and plays at scrum half for the Lions, was at Wits University from 2018 to 2022 but only featured in the Varsity Cup for the Blues in 2019. A fun fact is that Morne opted for a switch to Wits after having attended crosstown rivals UJ.
Morne has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology and Marketing from Wits, which he obtained in 2022. The Lion’s star has moved through the junior ranks in the Lions set up, having played in the U16 Grant Khomo, Lions Academy, before making his debut for the Lions in a Superhero Sunday match against the Bulls in 2020. He later earned his full Super Rugby debut against the Jaguares of Argentina, being involved in 7 games before 网易体育 wreaked havoc.
Morne also recently reached a phenomenal milestone of 90 caps for the Lions, in their game against Munster at Ellis Park in the United Rugby Championship.
It's been a great journey so far for Morne, who has done incredibly well for himself since leaving the Wits Blues. He took the time out to share how everything has gone since then.
“After the Varsity Cup, I was in the 2019 Lions Currie Cup squad, but I actually continued playing club rugby for Wits and we won the Pirates Grand Challenge for the first time in many years that year. In 2020 I thought I’d play Varsity Cup but then I had my Super Rugby debut and from there I went on to play for the Lions, where I’ve enjoyed over 60 caps. So, it’s been good afterwards.”
Morne is grateful for the opportunity to play in the royal blue strip, which afforded him the exposure to fulfil his dream of a budding rugby career. “Playing in the Varsity Cup provided me with a platform to get exposed to good rugby at an early age, which has really set me up nicely for the future.”
After leaving the Varsity rugby scene, Morne has had quite a few highs, with his favourite rugby memory coming from his senior debut for the Lions, which has now seen him rack up an astonishing 90 senior caps.
 Henco van Wyk |
 Morne van den Berg |
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“My favourite rugby memory so far is certainly scoring in my first senior game in a Superhero Sunday game for the Lions against the Bulls, with my 50th game for the Lions also being a special moment.”
After some consistently impressive performances in the red and white strip of the Lions, Morne earned a well-deserved Springbok alignment camp call-up, which left him grateful and excited with the prospect of learning more about the game. “I felt very overwhelmed and excited when I got the news of being a part of the camp. It’s an opportunity to learn a lot, which excites me very much.”
Morne’s rugby journey has been one to marvel at, but it has taken a great deal to get to reach his current level, as he explains the effort that's gone into it. “A lot of hard work, sacrifice and patience, which has included a lot of hours doing what needs to be done and not what is fine to do. I’ll definitely also say a lot of luck has played its role, but you make your own luck. I’ve also had unbelievable people in my life that have supported me and helped me get through all the trials and tribulations. Belief in oneself has also been vital in my journey.”
The journey to the highest level is never an easy one but Morne concluded the interview by sharing a little advice to other student athletes looking to get to unlock the next level.
“Believe in yourself and look to do more than what's required and always look to work harder than everybody else. Always pitch up first and work hard on your craft.”
Congratulations once again to the former Wits Blues duo, Morne van den Berg and Henco van Wyk. We would like to wish Henco all the best in his recovery and the best of luck to Morne, as he embarks on another level of his playing career.