UCT star’s rise from campus to Currie Cup

For Thomas Nel, rugby has always been more than just a sport. It’s a lifelong passion shaped by family, forged in schoolyards, and sharpened through perseverance. Now, the 23-year-old centre is on the cusp of a professional breakthrough after signing for the Suzuki Griquas.

“I was very happy and excited about their offer. It’s something I’ve been working toward since leaving school,” Nel said, who is pursuing his second qualification at the University of Cape Town (UCT). “To finally sign a professional contract and now get this chance is a dream come true.”

His breakthrough came after he played a key role in for the UCT Ikey Tigers’ Varsity Cup triumph this year. He has also played for the university’s Young Guns and has represented the Western Province at under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels.

Nel’s journey began in Johannesburg, where he grew up with three brothers in a household where sport was part of everyday life. “We were always playing something – cricket, rugby, you name it,” he recalled. “My dad made sure sport was a big part of our lives. I loved the contact and physicality of rugby from the start. I was five when I broke my collarbone playing contact rugby with my brothers and their friends. They were older than me, but I thought I was stronger and tough.”

Start of rugby career

After attending The Ridge and then Michaelhouse, a full-boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal, Nel’s rugby career began to take shape with the Tigers while he was completing his BCom in Finance at UCT.

“I finished my degree in 2024 and decided to stay on at UCT, where I’m now doing online studies in sports management,” he said. “UCT has been such a big part of my development – not just as a player but as a person.”

His consistent performance caught the attention of the Griquas, who reached out shortly after the tournament ended. “They brought me in on a one-month contract to be a centre cover for the SA Cup 2025,” he explained. “Then there was an injury in the squad, and I ended up playing semifinals and the final, and soon after the SA Cup, they offered me a full contract.”

The move to Kimberley, however, wasn’t without its challenges.

“It was a little bit daunting. Everyone in Kimberly speaks Afrikaans and I can’t speak Afrikaans. I was far away from Cape Town and didn’t know anyone. I was a bit nervous before arriving and after arriving. But as soon as I arrived, I realised it was a place focused on development. There are no egos in the Griqua team. Everyone is very welcoming and accommodating. Everyone’s there to work hard and grow. It is such a great place to just focus on rugby and make sure you develop properly as a player.”

Launch pad

For Nel, joining the Griquas is not just a milestone, but a launchpad. “It’s the right first step. At a smaller union, it’s a better chance of game time and to develop properly. My goal is to keep improving and hopefully assist the club to win more trophies and move on to a bigger union or even overseas.”

Despite now stepping into the professional arena, Nel remains deeply grateful for his time at UCT. “UCT’s rugby club isn’t just about the game; it’s about relationships,” he noted. “From training with the under-20s in my first year to playing for the first team and winning Varsity Cup in my final year … it’s been an incredible journey. For players who didn’t get contracts straight out of school, I think my story shows that if you work hard and stay committed, the opportunities will come.”

His family, while still based in Johannesburg, have been a constant support. “They’ve come to as many games as they could. My brother lives in Cape Town and was at all my matches this year,” he said.

Now, as he dons the Griquas jersey for the first time, Nel carries not only his personal dreams but the pride of a university and club that shaped him. “To anyone at UCT thinking about joining the rugby club, do it,” he said. “Whether you’re in the leagues, Varsity Cup, or just helping out, being part of that club will be one of the best decisions you’ll make.”