OD11 digital HR - Flipbook - Page 38
JONNY ROCHE
Rugby player, age 22
“Sometimes
you need
to act, and
then refine
along the
way through
feedback.”
Jonathan Roche (2021M) was
captain of the incredibly strong First
XV that thumped Paul Roos and put
50 points past Rondebosch in the
Covid-curtailed 2021 season. After
two years establishing himself in
age-group rugby and at the Varsity
Cup, his career has taken a dramatic
leap forward in barely six months:
he announced his arrival as a
professional by scoring a hat-trick for
Western Province on his Currie Cup
debut in July last year; he won his
first Stormers cap off the bench in
December; and he was superb in his
first start for the franchise in January.
Then, days before we went to print,
he was invited to the first Springbok
alignment camp of the year.
Richard Freund
“The support system around
me has been quite crucial too. My
parents supported me financially
at the start, and my wife has been
there throughout the process.
Support can come in many forms,
but having people in your corner
is essential.
“One big lesson I’ve learnt
is that sometimes you have to
do first and iterate later. I have
a tendency to want things to be
perfect before putting them out
there, but sometimes timing is
more important than perfection.
You need to act, and then refine
along the way through feedback
and iteration.
“Academically, Bishops gave
me a strong foundation, which
was essential in getting me to
where I am now. The school
also instilled in me a strong
work ethic and the ability to
juggle multiple responsibilities
36 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
– back then I managed academics,
leadership roles, sports and
music all at once. The friendships
that I made at Bishops – and the
entire Bishops community – have
been a great source of support
throughout my journey.”
Richard’s career advice for
young ODs
“Find what you’re passionate
about, and take the time to
explore it. Don’t just jump
into a career because it’s
expected, or because your
friends are doing it. Apply
for and do internships, shadow
professionals, and speak to people
in industries that interest you.
If you’re sure that you’re on
the right path, invest time in
building the necessary skills
and knowledge. Trust that the
time you’re putting in now will
pay off in the long run.”
“I
was given an opportunity
due to a few injuries in the
Stormers squad. Obviously,
I’d never wish an injury on anyone,
but it gave me some game time
and a chance to prove myself.
I haven’t played at this level for
long, but I’ve noticed the difference.
Everything is quicker, everyone
is a little stronger, and decisions
must be made much faster.
“It’s all about training with
more focus, and paying attention
to detail. Ball speed, passing,
everything; I’m just trying to
upgrade all aspects of my game.
On the field, there’s no time to sit
around or feel sorry for yourself –
you just have to keep moving and
keep pushing.
“Each individual on the field has
usually played a lot of rugby. They
have experience, they’re faster. It’s
just that bit more difficult than the
games I’m used to.
“Stepping up to the next level
comes down to working hard and
committing fully to it. I still feel
very nervous before games; I know
everyone does, but it’s something
I’m determined to work through.
