Getting to know your Coaches: Jody Burch

POSITION:  U20 Forwards Coach

NICKNAME: Maui

WHEN DID YOU JOIN HAMMIES? 2014 as a player and 2021 as a coach

COACHING BACKGROUND: Coached juniors whilst playing in the UK and Spain. Currently coaching U18 baseball at club, provincial and national levels, life-skills and mentorship coach at WP Rugby Academy

WHICH CLUBS DID YOU PLAY FOR?

  • UCT
  • SKW
  • Cambridge (UK)
  • Hamiltons

WHICH PROVINCIAL TEAMS DID YOU PLAY FOR: Western Province and SWD

FAVOURITE PLAYING POSITIONS: No 8

RUGBY HONOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Playing provincial rugby

FAVOURITE HAMMIES MOMENT: Leading the Hammies team of 2015 to President’s Cup victory

FAVOURITE HAMMIES LEGEND/PERSONALITY AND WHY: Attie Winter – One of the most respectful men to play with

MOST MEMORABLE RUGBY MOMENT: Winning the 2015 President’s Cup and having my twin boys being born in the same year

BEST ADVICE FOR UPCOMING PLAYERS: Rugby is not your life but just the tool you can use to create life opportunities and memories

WHAT MOVIE CHARACTER DESCRIBES YOU BEST, AND WHY? Cuba Gooding Jnr in Men of Honour – Life will never be simple or easy and you must decide how you are willing to live it

SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I love engaging with people

 LIKES: Reading, drinking cappucinnos and a good steak braai

 DISLIKES Lack of integrity

FUNNIEST MOMENT ON THE FIELD: Always telling Shane Valender to make sure of touch

FAVOURITE RUGBY PLAYER OF ALL TIME: Tiaan Strauss

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HAMMIES? The history

GOALS FOR 2021:  To complete my degree in counselling and my mantra for 2021 is – Make today better than yesterday so that tomorrow has a chance. This will keep all my goals in perspective.