Vodacom Bulls Canan Moodie Q&A

Sep 3 • Currie Cup, General News, International, National, South Africa, South Africa, Springbok News, Springboks, United Rugby Championship • 106 Views • Comments Off on Vodacom Bulls Canan Moodie Q&A

Canan Moodie discusses “touchies” on the tar in Paarl, how to attack space and relaxing in Bali:

1.Why rugby? As a little boy rugby was our sport, we played “touchies” on the tar roads in Paarl and had the most fun. That’s when I fell in love with the game.

2.You joined the Bulls’ academy after high school, how did you benefit and why should aspiring rugby players consider joining the academy? It was an opportunity to continue to play the game I love. I took a chance, and it changed my life. In life you have to sacrifice to reach your goal. You must chase it, no matter what.

3.You had surgery on a broken finger after a United Rugby Championship (VURC) clash against the Sharks in early June. How is the recovery going and how have you managed to keep up your fitness levels? The recovery period has not gone the way I had hoped it would. I have missed out on key rugby games. But I have remained positive as it has given me time to focus elsehwre, like working on my speed. I have also been able to take time for myself, to visit family in Paarl, to play padel and go-karting.

4.What has improved the most in your game over the past year? I have worked on my ability to beat players one-on-one, so I have more confidence taking guys on and breaking the line. I have also improved my high ball skills and my tackling. On the pitch I have also become more vocal, and have become a voice in the huddle when needed.

5.Which team was the most challenging to play against this season and why? The Stormers, but we got to beat them at Loftus which was a good one.

6.When you watch rugby on tv are you just a fan or are you at work studying other teams and rival players? I want to watch as a fan, but I study it more. For example, when I watch the test matches, I look to see what Ireland do, and how the Bok gameplan is working. I also look for any space and how to attack it. So, I am more of a studier now than a fan.

7.Which boots do you play in? PUMA Ultra Ultimate.

8.The Bulls have a very a rich legacy, so which former players would you have loved to have played alongside? Bryan Habana. I would love to pick his brain. Not only as a player but how he carried himself on and off the field. And how he stayed at the top for so many years.

9.How important is your own legacy? That is a tough question to answer as I am still writing my story. I have achieved many things including becoming a Bok and winning the World Cup. I want to continue that path. When I retire, I want to be remembered as a guy who gave everything, every match. Who put his body on the line and loved the game.

10.Travel is a big part of being a rugby player, do you get time to enjoy the places you visit and is there anywhere you have marked down for a return visit when you have more time? Spending so much time in France during the World Cup was special. I also enjoyed my time in Australia and Argentina. But the highlight was taking a vacation in Bali. I would go back any day for the culture, the scenery and the people.