Reggie Goodes- Rhino Raring To Go

Above: Calling the shots. Reggie Goodes in action at the Hutt Recreation Ground on Monday night for the Hurricanes Development XV against Tonga A. Goodes played the first half of the match at loosehead prop, helping to anchor a dominant scrum and making several strong runs culminating in scoring a try just before halftime.

Upon arriving in Wellington from South Africa Wellington College coach, Lincoln Rawles, saw something special in young prop Reg Goodes. His rapid rise to professional rugby comes as no surprise.

“I knew Reg was determined to do well with his rugby, and that he had the mental toughness compete at the highest level. It was just a case of when not if”, said Lincoln Rawles. ?

This determination and mental toughness has seen Goodes play regular ITM cup matches for Wellington and he is now a squad member with the Hurricanes having just recently come off the bench in Friday’s gripping encounter with the Highlanders.

He recently re-signed with Wellington Rugby and the Hurricanes until the end of next year.

Born in Witbank, South Africa, Goodes made the move to New Zealand at the age of 14. His father had a job opportunity in Wellington and the rest they say is history.

“I moved from South Africa when I was 14. At first I didn’t take rugby too seriously until I came to Wellington College.

“My dad struggled to find work back home so he thought it would be a good opportunity to take the job offer in Wellington and the rest of my family followed.”

And for Wellington rugby’s sake, thank God he did. Goodes shows all the attributes of a hard-working front row forward ready to get his hands dirty and certainly isn’t one to shy away from the physicality and scrummaging battles.

We discussed the differences and similarities between New Zealand rugby and South African rugby.

“In New Zealand there’s more emphasis on skill but in South Africa it’s more the physicality and the scrummaging is a bit different.”

It’s little wonder then that the young man dubbed “Rhino” enjoys the physical confrontation and scrum battles.

On arrival in New Zealand Goodes was soon an important rugby figure at Wellington College and excelled in athletics, particularly shot put, where he won the McEvedy Shield shot put title which was one of his sporting highlights to date.

“Winning McEvedy and coming first in the shot put and qualifying for nationals were definitely highlights of my college days and also winning the U15 national rugby title.”

Goodes paid tribute and much of his success to his coaches at Wellington College; in particular Rawles, Greg Sharland and also Richard Watt from the Poneke club where Reg savours any opportunity to play club rugby.

Like many professional players Goodes relishes the opportunity for a hit-out at club level and represent his club, Poneke.

His selection into the big time came quickly for Reg and he holds it as a huge honour representing both the Lions and Hurricanes.

“It came earlier than expected. Four props got injured and I got the call up.

“It means a lot to me to pull on that jersey, and to my family, particularly my dad and granddad.”

Goodes was confident that the Hurricanes are on the right track and as long as they stick to their plan the results would flow. “It works a lot on confidence and we need to take that into all our games.”

There is much promise in this young man’s sporting career and he cements his place in professional rugby. Goodes had a strong outing in the number 17 jersey against the Highlanders on Friday and fans are likely to see more of the Poneke prop in action as the season progresses.

He is a man with much enthusiasm and eagerness for all opportunities presented his way and clearly works hard at his game. It is only fair that Rawles, one of people responsible for his rise has the last say.

“Reg is all about doing his core role well. He is not a glory seeker and while he does not have the athleticism of some of the other players around he gets through an inordinate amount of work. “He’s never looked back giving nothing less than 100 percent all the time.”