Fit, firing Ox a ‘mentor’ for breakthrough Bok Steenekamp: ‘Learning from him every day’

Fit, Firing Ox: A ‘Mentor’ for Breakthrough Bok Steenekamp – ‘Learning from Him Every Day’

The South African rugby scene has witnessed a fresh surge of talent and camaraderie in the forward pack, and one of the most exciting relationships developing within the Springbok camp is between young prop, Frans Steenekamp, and his seasoned mentor, Ox Nché.

Steenekamp, who is beginning to make his mark in the international arena, has been quick to credit Nché, one of South Africa’s most dynamic and experienced front-rowers, as a key figure in his development both on and off the field. The rising star of the Springbok scrum has been vocal about how much he learns from Nché, a player known for his explosive power, scrummaging prowess, and leadership skills.

A Bond Built on Scrums and Shared Values

 

As the Springboks continue to build towards their next major international challenge, Steenekamp’s rapid growth under Nché’s guidance has become a story of mentorship and mutual respect. Despite the obvious physical prowess and experience that Nché brings to the table, the relationship between the two isn’t just about scrummaging technique. It’s about how to approach the game mentally, physically, and emotionally—skills that Nché has honed over years in the high-pressure world of professional rugby.

“I’m learning from Ox every day,” Steenekamp said in a recent interview. “His work ethic, his passion for the game, his mentality—those are the things that really stand out. Not just his scrummaging, but how he approaches each training session and match. He’s a guy who leads by example, and it’s something I admire a lot.”

At just 24 years old, Steenekamp’s breakout performances in the 2023 Rugby Championship and subsequent tours have made him one of the most promising young props in world rugby. Yet, he’s never one to take credit for his success alone, acknowledging the pivotal role that Nché, who has been part of the Springboks’ front row for several years, has played in shaping his understanding of the game.

The Power of Experience

 

While Steenekamp’s potential was never in doubt, his rise to the Springbok ranks has been accelerated by Nché’s mentorship, which has offered him invaluable insights into the physical and mental requirements of international rugby. The 31-year-old Nché, who is now a key figure in the Springboks’ front-row dominance, has shared his vast experience with Steenekamp, not just in the scrum, but also in navigating the pressure that comes with being part of one of the world’s most successful teams.

Nché’s influence has been particularly evident in Steenekamp’s scrummaging, where the young prop’s technique and timing have improved dramatically. Known for his work at the coalface of the scrums, Nché has an exceptional understanding of the intricacies involved in front-row play. For Steenekamp, whose scrummaging prowess has become one of his standout attributes, learning from a player with such pedigree has been crucial to his own development.

“I’ve always looked up to Ox,” Steenekamp continued. “The way he approaches his training, the way he focuses on his scrummaging, it’s all so deliberate and precise. I think I’ve been able to take little pieces from what he does, and it’s already helped me become a better player. It’s about paying attention to the details, and Ox is all about the details.”

The Importance of a Strong Front Row

 

In modern rugby, the front row is often where battles are won or lost, and the Springboks’ scrummaging has long been a cornerstone of their success. Nché and Steenekamp form part of a formidable pack, one that has been instrumental in South Africa’s powerful set-piece play. The duo, alongside players like Bongi Mbonambi and Eben Etzebeth, give the Boks the physicality and depth needed to dominate at the scrum and carry their forward momentum into the game.

For Steenekamp, the mentorship he receives from Nché is not only about scrummaging technique but also about embodying the mentality required to perform at the highest level. The likes of Nché, who has become a key figure in the Springboks’ tight-knit pack, help instill the kind of professionalism that every player needs in order to compete in elite rugby.

Looking Ahead

 

As Steenekamp’s career continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that the influence of Ox Nché will remain an integral part of his growth. With the Springboks’ future looking bright thanks to the development of young talent like Steenekamp, it’s clear that Nché’s mentorship is shaping the next generation of South African rugby players.

For Steenekamp, the journey is just beginning. But with a mentor like Ox Nché by his side, it’s a journey that promises great things ahead. And as the Springboks prepare for their next international challenges, we can expect to see Steenekamp play an increasingly pivotal role in their forward pack, no doubt continuing to learn from one of the best.

In a sport as physically demanding and mentally taxing as rugby, the value of mentorship cannot be overstated. And for Steenekamp, the chance to learn from Ox Nché is proving to be one of the best opportunities he could ask for as he works towards making his own mark in the Springbok jersey.

**Stay tuned, as the future of South African rugby looks increasingly bright with this dynamic duo leading the charge in the forward pack.**