In the first edition of Conversations with Old Boys we chat to professional rugby player George Earle. George, who matriculated from Westville Boys’ High School in 2005, played for the Westville 1st XV for three years. He has gone on to play first class rugby for a number of teams. He is currently pursuing his rugby career in Wales.
“Westville Boys’ High School is a solid investment in your future. If you are willing to work hard and contribute in everyway you can, you will thrive and experience all the benefits that a school like this can offer.”
Biography of George Earle in Brief
House
Junior School
Position
Height
1st XV
Age Group Teams
First Class Teams
Wandsbeck
Gelofte
Lock
197cm
2003-2005
KZN U18 (2005)
W.Province, Stormers, Lions, Cheetahs, Griquas, Scarlets
Conversations: What was your most memorable game for the Westville 1st XV and why?
Beating Maritzburg College on Bowden’s Field in 2004 was the most memorable game. It was the first time Westville had ever beaten College at home. Every time I captained the team was also very special.
Conversations: Who was your favourite teacher at school?
Mr Wienand. He told really interesting stories but I am not sure if they were always true. Ha Ha.
Conversations: Was there an important life lesson that you learnt at Westville Boys’ High School?
The best skill I probably learnt at WBHS was to balance my life between the responsibilities I had towards my sport and also my education.
Conversations: What advice would you give to a primary school boy considering high school options on why he should attend Westville Boys’ High School?
Westville Boys’ High School is a solid investment in your future. If you are willing to work hard and contribute in everyway you can, you will thrive and experience all the benefits a school like this can offer. I made some of my closest friends at school and still treasure the memories of my days at Westville.
“The best skill I probably learnt at Westville Boys’ High School was to balance my life between the responsibilities I had towards my sport and also my education.”
Conversations: Are you enjoying playing rugby in Wales, and what do you miss about South Africa?
It’s good to experience a different culture and way of life over here. The people are rugby fanatics. I probably miss my family the most but I also miss South African humour.
Conversations: Who has been your toughest opponent on the rugby field and why?
Jamie Cudmore from Clermont and Schalk Burger. Neither of these guys knows how to take a step back from the physical stuff.
Conversations: What has been your most memorable game of first class rugby?
Playing Heineken Cup finalist Clermont in front of 65000 very loud and intimidating fans. There was no place to hide in that game. It was the most intense and ruthless beating I have ever received.
Conversations: What would you still like to achieve in your rugby career?
It is my ultimate goal to play international rugby. In two years time I can qualify to play for Wales, and hopefully I will be involved in their World Cup campaign.
Conversations: Do you have any funny memories from your time at Westville Boys’ High School?
The time the Headmaster, Mr Trevor Hall, caught one of my friends doing naked handstands in the pool. That was classic!
Conversations: What do you expect you will do after playing professional rugby?
Perhaps I will be the Director of Rugby at Westville Boys’ High School. I’ll need a job. Ha Ha.
Conversations with Old Boys is a project of the Westville Boy’s High School Foundation, in partnership with the Westville Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association