For many young athletes, dreams often become catalysts for perseverance and ambition, and for Zimbabwean-born loose forward Dave Ewers, this has rung especially true.
Since his childhood, Ewers envisioned himself playing in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby while watching South African teams dominate the field.
Now, at 34, he has made significant strides in realising that dream, representing Western Province in the prestigious Currie Cup and running out for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.
We go pitchside with Backline and Attack Coach Dawie Snyman as he looks ahead to a crucial period for our team. #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/IYJcWdENew
Ewers, a former Exeter Chiefs and Ulster player, made his debut for WP in September against the Pumas, marking a significant milestone in his career.
However, the chance to step onto the Super Rugby stage has eluded him for now.
Nonetheless, playing for the Stormers in the URC is another dream ticked off.
As he prepares for Saturday’s coastal derby against the Sharks at Kings Park (5pm start), Ewers is eager to contribute as the Stormers aim to reverse their fortunes.
John Dobson’s team head into this weekend’s clash following a disappointing loss to the Glasgow Warriors just before the four-week international break.
They currently find themselves in 13th place on the URC log with two wins from five games, desperately seeking to ignite their season against a formidable Sharks side.
A win not only holds significant importance for their URC ambitions, but also as preparation for the demanding Champions Cup fixtures against Toulon and Harlequins looming on the horizon in December.
The significance of the upcoming battle against the Sharks is not lost on Ewers.
“If I do play, it will be an amazing experience.”
“If I do play, it will be an amazing experience,” he said following practice at the Faure Street Stadium in Paarl yesterday.
“You have to show them (the Sharks) respect by giving your all and performing to the best of your ability. Anything short of that, and you’ll be found wanting.”
Ewers acknowledged the challenge posed by a rival team full of unbeaten Springboks and whose confidence is soaring, but he remains optimistic.
We go pitchside with Forwards Coach Rito Hlungwani as he gives some insight into the hard work that goes into preparing the pack. #iamastormer #dhldelivers pic.twitter.com/tg9J8C7fHR
— DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) November 25, 2024
“Their confidence must be sky-high (after the successful Bok tour), and it’s going to be a massive challenge to go to their stadium and perform there. But I think the boys are desperate to go and do that.”
In just four months since relocating to Cape Town, Ewers credits fellow player and former Ulster teammate Steven Kitshoff with helping him acclimatise to his new home.
The pair played together in Ireland, while they’ve also faced each other when Kitshoff played for Bordeaux Begles in France.
“Steven has been awesome in getting me over here, and he’s helped me settle in really well.”
“Steven has been awesome in getting me over here, and he’s helped me settle in really well.
“I’ve played against Steven a few times while he was at Bordeaux, and we were teammates at Ulster, so it was awesome spending more time with him.
“At the beginning of the season, when I came across, those Currie Cup games were serious life moments for me. I’ve always looked forward to playing in the competition, and it was a great experience.”
With support from teammates like Kitshoff and lock Adré Smith, who has taken him tuna-fishing and introduced him to the vibrant Mother City, Ewers’ transition has been remarkably smooth.
Now, the focus for Ewers and his teammates is to regain their footing.
They have an unblemished winning record against the Sharks in the URC, a statistic they are eager to uphold while seeking meaningful momentum heading into the Champions Cup.
As the team strategise for their upcoming fixtures, Ewers hopes to make a significant impact on the field.
Adapting to the South African climate and rigorous training in the Western Cape is an ongoing adjustment for him, particularly after years of playing in the cold of Belfast and Exeter.
“I’m slowly adapting to the demands of the South African weather, but I am loving playing in the sun.”