At the age of 23, Sanlam Boland Cavaliers’ new prop Laurence Victor would probably be remiss if asked about the lyrics to a popular Peaches and Herb song.
But being reunited with his former coach, Hawies Fourie, and it feeling so good, the bulky 1.84m and 123kg front rower says he wants to repay the coach’s faith by reaching the goal of qualifying for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division playoffs.
Victor recently joined the Cavas from the Cheetahs, where coach Fourie gave the Southern Cape-born prop his first taste of professional rugby in 2023, and he won the Currie Cup title in his debut season.
But, after Fourie left Bloemfontein last year, game time for Victor at Currie Cup level seemed to have dwindled, making only three appearances for the Toyota Cheetahs in 2024.
During this year’s SA Cup, Victor was also sparingly used, making it easier for him to make the move to the Boland.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to become part of this Boland project and come and play here,” Victor tells the Boland website. “This is a great group of players that we have here.
“I think we can really do well during this Currie Cup campaign, and I have watched Boland do their thing during the SA Cup. They did well, even beating my old team and coming very close to upsetting the Griquas and Pumas in the SA Cup.
“The expectations are high, and we see ourselves as a team that can reach the playoffs. Like every other team, we are playing to win.”
But how good does it feel to be back under the watchful eyes of coach Hawies?
Well, Victor says: “I remember when I arrived at the Cheetahs – under a junior contract – in 2023. I made my senior debut that season, and we went on to win the Currie Cup with him as coach.
“I know his background and the success he has had at [FNB] Varsity Cup level with Maties and winning the First Division in his first season back at Boland.
“He is a flipping good coach and just a very good people person. I am looking forward to learn from him again, especially the way he approaches the attacking side of the game.
“Also, coach Charl Hanekom, who has joined us here to head up the defence. Two great coaches to learn from, especially when you are still a young player.”
When the Carling Currie Cup kicks off over the weekend, Victor and his Boland teammates will be facing off against his former Toyota Cheetahs in a Sunday showdown clash in Wellington.
The last time the Cheetahs visited Wellington, Victor played off the bench in one of his handful of final games for the Bloemfontein outfit. And after being on the losing side in that clash, Victor is still getting some stick from his new mates about it.
“Yep, there is a constant banter being thrown my way, but then I just remind them I am now part of that winning side,” the George-born prop quips.
“But that is just what makes it so nice to be part of a great group of players that has been assembled here. I think everyone still sees Boland as an underdog for this year’s Currie Cup, but for me, it is always nice to be part of a squad that wants to go out to prove a point, that we are much better than they think we are.
“The biggest fuelling this group, I think, is the fact that some of the so-called bigger teams look down on us, and it is just great to be part of this group and showcase some of my skills.
“I would love to be part of the squad that tackles the Cheetahs in our opening game. I have a lot of mates there, but I would also love to go out there and get one over them.”