Fresh off guiding the UCT Ikeys to the 2025 Varsity Cup title at the third time of trying, backline star, Duran Koevort, hopes to take the next step and establish himself in the professional game.
The 22-year-old has all the tools to have a successful career, having already had the opportunity to represent South Africa for the Junior Springboks as well as the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ within the last twelve months. It’s for that exact reason that he’s left the door open to opportunities in either format of the game.
The UCT Ikeys fullback said,
It really depends on the opportunity and where I am at that moment. I wouldn’t be saying no to 15s and I wouldn’t be saying no to Sevens – I would take both with open arms in terms of whichever opportunity I get.
From a playing perspective, those experience at national level have helped him polish up specific parts of his game that ultimately led to another successful Varsity Cup campaign for the men from UCT after they reached the final for the third season running and this time, they were finally able to lift the trophy after a convincing win away to Maties.
Koevort who dotted down in UCT’s 44-21 win over their old foes, was one of the tournament’s most consistent performers – something he credits that to his time in national setups, be it Sevens or with the Junior Boks.
My time with the Sevens, I grew quite a bit and developed a better understanding for spatial awareness and identifying space as well as being able to communicate on the field. With the Junior Springboks, I think my understanding of being professional grew quite a bit. To be able to get match ready, match fit – with what you eat, your diet and just mentally being able to switch on for the game. I think that’s the biggest takeaway.
Like with most athletes, the young fullback has his preference of which format he enjoys more:
Fifteens I enjoy a lot more but that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy Sevens. I think going to Dubai, playing with the ‘A’ side was a great experience and obviously training with the Blitzbok team and just the way they do things, I think it was unreal to be a part of.
Koevort’s reflected on his time with the Blitzboks and how that experience ignited a competitive fire inside him:
To be able to go to Dubai and represent the second team, basically, for the Blitzboks, I think it was a very amazing and unique opportunity and one that I took with both hands.
The 22-year-old insisted that he was proverbial sponge while in camp with the Junior Bok camps and Springbok Sevens squads, looking to soak in every bit of knowledge that would eventually lead to a Varsity Cup title triumph with UCT.
What I’ve learnt in the Sevens and the Junior Springboks setup, I think in terms of the professionalism and connection, communication on the field – I think that’s massively important.
Koevort turns 23 in June and is ready to take his chance when it arrives so it will be interesting to see where his talents take him in the next chapter of his young career. Be it with the Blitzboks or local franchise rugby, with the Currie Cup also not too far off, the young fullback seemingly has the rugby world at his fingertips.
