NAME: Pierre Cronje
COACHING POSITION: 2nd team backline and assistant coach
NICKNAME:
Crunchy or Rock
WHEN DID YOU JOIN HAMMIES?
2008 and retired from playing in 2016
COACHING BACKGROUND:
A bit of schoolboy rugby
WHICH CLUBS DID YOU PLAY FOR?
One season at the Dirty Whites in 2007. In 2008 I joined Hamilton’s where I played till I retired
WHICH PROVINCIAL TEAMS DID YOU PLAY FOR
Sharks U21
Sharks and Western Province 7s
FAVOURITE PLAYING POSITIONS:
Scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback
RUGBY HONOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
Receiving the Sharks U21 Player of the Year award
Winning silverware with Hammies
100 1st caps for Hamilton RFC
FAVOURITE HAMMIES MOMENT:
When Hammies won the WP league and the National Club Championship (universities included) in 2009. Also when Hammies won the 2015 Presidents Cup at Newlands against Durbell. Last but not least, having the opportunity to play one game with my brother in the Hammies colours.
FAVOURITE HAMMIES LEGEND/PERSONALITY AND WHY:
There are so many. Bryn Ressell and Marshy Shirtliff for their dedication and influence at the club – absolute legends.
Jandre Du Plessis – This guy brought so much enthusiasm, passion, gees and a lot of courage – A massive heart! He is such a great example of what a club rugby player should be.
MOST MEMORABLE RUGBY MOMENT:
Running out barefoot on Saturday mornings on a frosty Eastern Cape rugby field – it had to be an iconic moment for most rugby players. Basically where the love/hate relationships with rugby began.
BEST ADVICE FOR UPCOMING PLAYERS:
Enjoy what you do! It takes a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication to balance work/studies and club rugby.
WHAT MOVIE CHARACTER DESCRIBES YOU BEST, AND WHY?
Ha ha probably Harry Potter, because I have a similar scar on my forehead and I’m also known to cast a disappearing act – better known as “Ninja bomb” in drinking circles.
SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I have had approximately 100 stitches on my face and head over the years of playing rugby. I love trail running and being in the outdoors.
LIKES:
Beer
DISLIKES
Beer
FUNNIEST MOMENT ON THE FIELD:
Playing against UCT a few years ago, I found myself trapped at the bottom of a massive ruck with a ton of weight on me. I couldn’t breathe and heard this continuous cracking sound and vibration thinking it was my back clicking from all the pressure. I then saw my good mate Dyl Rogers lying directly on top of me. Gasping for air and worried about my back, I asked him if he heard my back clicking – he smiled and said “That wasn’t your back bud – that was me letting rip a few farts directly on you!” We still have a good chuckle about that. 
FAVOURITE RUGBY PLAYER OF ALL TIME:
Christian Cullen
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HAMMIES?
There is something special about playing for the oldest rugby club in SA – the traditions and the friends you make.
GOALS FOR 2021:
Give back to the club – be the best coach I can be and obviously win the league