SPEND TIME WITH SPRINGBOK 7’S PLAYER RUHAN NEL AHEAD OF HIS TRIP TO THE TOKYO OLYMPICS

Find out more about what drives Blitzbok Ruhan Nel’s as well as his interests off the field. 

Ruhan Nel is among the squad that has been called up to compete for the South African national Rugby Sevens team aka Blitzbokke at this year’s Olympics. Spending time with him ahead of his trip to Tokyo he told us more about the interests and passions that fuel his motivation.

“The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world, so it’s an achievement to go to the Olympics. To be part of that group of players to say I’m an Olympian, or I went to the Olympics with the possibility of winning a medal, I think that anybody would grab the opportunity,” says the Centre for the Stormers and Blitzbokke. 

Connect Performance Centre Director, Murry Ingram, has been working closely with Ruhan and the rest of the Blitzbokke to understand and enhance their abilities on the field, and help get them into peak physical condition.

Aside from his passion on the field, Ruhan opens up about his artistic side that includes drawing and film. Developing these skills has allowed him to combine what he enjoys doing. It’s also something he has a clear aptitude for – one need only look at his portfolio of designs to tell. 

Another person who has creative talent, and practices it daily, is interior decorator Cate Ingram. Part of her impressive portfolio is The Residence at Atzaro in Oranjezicht. A luxury mid-century style villa at the foot of Table Mountain, which Ruhan and his wife Marlé Nel were invited to for a special dinner before he leaves for Japan. 

The interior space in Cape Town is tastefully influenced by Africa . With natural textures, African textiles, beautiful Senegalese hats adorning the walls, stunning artistry from African Artworks, locally made lighting and lots of natural woods are used throughout the house, to achieve a luxe, yet casual experience. 

For Ruhan, quality time with friends and family away from the field is priceless, and what better way to do this than over a delicious meal prepared by top chef Matt Manning.

Matt trained under the likes of Gordon Ramsay at some of London’s finest restaurants and is now back in South Africa establishing himself as a private chef and restaurant owner.  

He swiftly put together a delightful looking 3-course meal consisting of venison tartare, Saldanha Bay Oysters, pan roasted West Coast hake with pearl barley, and then to round it all off, served up a lemon tart with honeycomb ice cream. The tasty, high protein menu was a winner with Ruan and his guests. 

PHOTO: TEGAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

It was also the perfect way to wrap a relaxed day with the sportsman! 

Here’s wishing Ruhan Nel well in all his future endeavours and to him and the rest of our Blitzbokke squad – let’s bring home the medals!

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