We recently exchanged with Neil, one of our IB DP2 student who has recently been selected for the Belgian National Rugby Team! After years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, this exciting milestone marks the culmination of a journey that has taken him from Belgium to China, and then to France, where he was scouted by one of the biggest clubs in the Île-de-France region, Stade Français Paris. Throughout his journey, Neil has faced many challenges, including balancing intense training with his academic commitments, but his passion for rugby has always fuelled his determination to push through. 

In this interview, we dive into his rugby career, his inspirations, and the pivotal moments that have shaped his path. From overcoming setbacks to dreaming of representing his country on the world stage, Neil shares his incredible story and the lessons he's learned along the way.

 

Congratulations on your selection for the Belgian National Rugby Team! How did you find out about the news, and what was your initial reaction?

After I took part in the national trials, I received an email to confirm that I was accepted. I was very happy but also very proud, as it had been a long time coming, and I had put so much work into it.

This is such an exciting achievement! Can you walk us through your journey to getting to this point? What has been the most challenging part of your Rugby career so far?

I started Rugby in Belgium, then continued when I moved to China, but it became more serious when I moved back to France when I was scouted by Stade Français Paris, one of the biggest clubs in Île-de-France. And so far, the most challenging part of my career was regretfully leaving Stade Français Club due to clashes with my school timetable and because I wanted more playing time.

How long have you been playing Rugby, and what inspired you to start?

I have been playing Rugby for nearly 14 years. Starting at a very early age, I had the desire to become a Rugby player. My desire was even more aroused after watching Ireland team’s performance during the Six Nations Championship. I wanted to be like Brian O’Driscoll, an Irish Rugby player considered to be one of the greatest players of all time. So I started to play as a child and since then I have never stopped.

What does being selected for the Belgian National Rugby Team mean to you personally? Was it always a dream to represent your country in Rugby?

The pinnacle of Rugby is always representing your country. As a Belgian Irish player, it was always a dream to represent one of my countries. Representing Belgium is special as it is also the country where I started playing Rugby and where I grew and nurtured my love for the game. 

How did you prepare for this moment? Were there any key moments or turning points in your career that you feel were crucial to your selection?

Training, of course, but also being mentally prepared and ready to give my all. My determination was fuelled by the failures and doubts I went through, and I wanted to prove wrong to all the people that didn’t believe in me while making my family proud.

Can you tell us a bit about your training routine? How do you balance Rugby with your studies in IB DP2?

I train 5 times a week: three team pitch sessions and two gym days with matches on weekends as well. This is physically and mentally demanding, but also time-consuming. Since MYP4 I have been juggling this, and I feel that having this responsibility at a young age forced me to be organised and disciplined, and learn to manage my time well.

What role have your teammates and coaches played in your journey? Have there been any people in particular who have inspired or supported you along the way?

My parents are my first support and source of inspiration. Then, I have been lucky to meet a few Rugby professionals who also inspired me by sharing with me some of the challenges, setbacks and doubts they faced. And learning that even the best players are also somehow vulnerable and all went through similar hurdles as me, gave me another perspective of my career.

Rugby is a physically demanding sport. What is your approach to staying fit and maintaining peak performance?

Training and taking care of your body are the most important things. So I take a day off after every match and take time to fully stretch my body at least twice a week. Furthermore, eating healthily and taking care of any small injuries is essential to avoid them getting worse. Overall, being mentally ready, training regularly, and pushing myself to perform at my best are my three pillars to stay in shape.

Now that you’ve made it to the Belgian National Rugby Team, what are your next goals? How do you envision your future after graduation?

For me, becoming professional and playing in Ireland or a major league has always been the goal. So after graduation, I know I will keep playing. I want to represent either Belgium or Ireland at a professional international level and take part in a World Cup. These objectives are still far away, but I would love to achieve them one day.

Can you share one of your most memorable competitions or matches? What made it stand out? 

Some of the most memorable moments are scoring a try at Stade Jean Bouin, the stadium of the pro team of Stade Français Club. I also scored the winning penalty from 40 metres in a crucial match against Vannes, which allowed my team to qualify for the semi-finals in U-16. These are all memorable moments as they showed me how far I have come since the start and showed me that I can be proud of my achievements while making me want more.

What do you enjoy doing outside of Rugby?

Even though I do not have much time to do anything with my busy schedule, I love travelling, walking my dog and just spending time with my family and friends.

What skills or lessons have you learned from Rugby that apply to other areas of your life?

Respect and discipline are core values of Rugby, and apply them to my schoolwork and just in my everyday life in general.

Finally, what advice would you give to younger athletes who are interested in taking up Rugby?

My advice to younger athletes interested in Rugby is to try it. It is a very fun sport that fosters certain values and skills you can use for the rest of your life. It is challenging and may seem scary, but it is a great way to make friends and have fun.