Inspiring! Clip of young Canan Moodie in lockdown training goes viral
Not even a hard lockdown could stop Canan Moodie’s dreams of one day making the Springboks and Rugby World Cup squad…
Canan Moodie will make his debut Rugby World Cup appearance at just 20 years old. But it’s been a long time coming for the Springboks newbie.
Like many others, the young player will defend South Africa’s title in France during the tournament, which takes place from 9 September to 28 October.
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CANAN MOODIE LOCKDOWN VIDEO GOES VIRAL
Canan Moodie has quickly become a household name, despite only making the Springboks Squad in 2022. In a match against Wales over the weekend, Canan was named man of the match.
Canan will play in the starting line-up of Friday’s warm-up match against the All Blacks at Twickenham, and likely for much of the Rugby World Cup games.
The Paarl-born player – who also signed to the Blue Bulls last year – has been hailed for his hard work and tenacity.
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In a clip posted by renowned sports presenter Elma Smit, the winger is praised for pursuing his dream, particularly during a tough time for many athletes.
Smit tweeted: “If you spent lockdown in SA for a long time, it meant you couldn’t even go for a walk. No jogging for recreation was allowed.”
In the clip, Canan is seen working out on a tiny patch of turf with an old wheel and a rugby ball.
Smit added: “This was the space Canan Moodie had available to him to fight to keep him fit.”
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The inspiring video was praised by many rugby fans around the world.
@AndrewW71128479: “Absolutely awesome. An incredible positive mindset in the face of adversity.”
@Mangashu: “Hard work definitely paid off for the young guy.”
@eksteenl: “Hats off to him. A brilliant player with a bright future!”
If you spent lockdown in SA, for a long time it meant you couldn’t even go for a walk.
— Elma Smit (@Elmakapelma) August 19, 2023
No jogging for recreation was allowed.
This was the space @CananMoodie had available to him, to fight to keep fit.
Today, he put in a POTM performance 🏉🙌🏽🔥#WALvRSA
pic.twitter.com/9jKRCrxmiG
OTHER RUGBY WORLD CUP SPRINGBOKS NEWBIES
Canan Moodie is not the only Springboks star to make a grand entrance at the Rugby World Cup.
Joining him are players like Ox Nche, Mannie Libbok, Jaden Hendriks, Grant WIlliams, and Kurt-Lee Arendse, amongst others.
Meanwhile, players who lifted the trophy in 2019, like captain Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Duane Vermeulen, and Faf De Klerk, will also return.
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