Pete Orphan chats to hanno Dirksen

21 Apr 2010

VFTP - The only thing that’s flying at the moment

However bad the M4 traffic was tonight for our visitors Cardiff no one has travelled farther or taken longer to be at tonight’s game than Swansea’s 18 year old winger Hanno Dirksen. South African by birth he came to us via the USA. His totally committed performance have drawn many admires this season, even if his kicking has given the boys something to rib him about. But I guess he would argue who needs to kick when you can run through the opposition like he does. His recent form has been fantastic with a try hat-trick in the last two games. I caught up with him at training this week to find out more for VFTP.

Tell us about your early rugby experience in South Africa ?

I started playing fly half at the age of 7, moved to 13 by 11 and played in the Blue Bulls under 13’s team.

What about your time in States ?

We went to USA as a family when I was 15. I got into the Eagles under 17’s and then under 18’s squad. After a trial game for the senior squad Scott Johnson picked me for the senior team against Munster and the New Zealand “A” team.

So if you get the chance would you play for the Boks, the Eagles or even Wales ?

As both the States games were friendly fixtures I’m not committed to an international side yet, but would need a few years more years here to qualify for Wales.

How come you ended up playing in Wales ?

Scott Johnson gave me the opportunity to come over and as rugby the only thing I can do I thought it would be good to come somewhere where rugby the main sport.

How has your Welsh experience been so far ?

Nice now the suns out and the pitches are dry, at first it was very cold and wet.

What’s been the biggest change for you being in Wales ?

Living on my own, having to do my own cooking, being away from family for the first time and dealing with the freedom it brings.

What’s been your best moment of the season so far ?

I guess its making my debut for the Ospreys against Leeds.

What your best try this season ?

Probably my first hat-trick try, the dive to score you have got finish in style !

How have you enjoyed playing for Swansea ?

It’s been great and the level of rugby been really good for my development. St Helens is also the best pitch I’ve played on.

What are your summer plans ?

I’m having a short break back in the States with my family before I return to Wales for pre season training.

What are thoughts on tonight’s game ?

We need to finish on a real high, give it our all and go into the play offs on positive performance and a win.

My thanks to Hanno who is one of the quieter members of the squad but a really mature young man who got lots of rugby talent and if he keeps a level head on him, he has got a great future in the game.

Talking of talent and maturity and showing its not just a young mans game while sticking up for the 40 somethings congratulations go to Arnie tonight on captaining Swansea for the first time on his 300 appearance.

For any who missed it, the Growing Goatee Lent charity challenge which finished at Easter weekend saw Rhod’ Wells winning the Brad Pitt Goatee Award. However top dog in raising the most sponsorship money so far is Webby, but there is still time to top his total. So far the goatee total reached just under £1,000 a great effort, pushing our overall total through the £1,500 mark. Thanks to all of you who have given so generously in backing this seasons charities the Haemophilia Society and the Swansea Gladiators. At our next home game hopefully we will be able to give you a final total on the money raised for the goatee and tell you more about our final bucket collection and auction at the end of season dinner to conclude our fundraising for this season.

As we round off the league season let me send my congratulations to the team and coaching staff for a brilliant effort in taking us to the runners spot and into the play offs. Lets hope Hanno and the boys turn on the style for this last league game and finish off flying into the play offs.