For Tinus de Beer, this Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship clash with the Vodacom Bulls will be a fixture with real added resonance.
It was with the South African province that the Dragons RFC fly-half began his rugby journey in his home city of Pretoria more than a decade ago. Now he is set to face them at Rodney Parade on Friday night.
De Beer has taken a key role in Dragons reaching the semi-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup amid successive knock-out victories on the road against Stade Francais and Zebre Parma.
Head coach Filo Tiatia is delighted to still have the services of the 30-year-old who has featured in all but two of the region’s matches this season.
“He’s been outstanding, not just on the field, but off the field as well,” said the former All Black.
“He’s great in terms of his mentality. He’s one of the toughest players I’ve worked with. He loves to tackle.
“He’s been great. He’s a caring person. He looks after the group and demands from the group.
“He’s a natural leader in terms of the tactician part of the game and also from a carrying perspective he’s a great addition to the team.”
Chief executive Rhys Blumberg echoes his coach, saying: "Tinus is a great man and such a fantastic influence on our squad and environment."
It’s clear from speaking to De Beer just how much he lives and breathes rugby, a sport which has been a big part of his life from a young age.
To read more from Tinus de Beer read our interview in tonight's match day programme - CLICK HERE to read.
Click HERE to buy match tickets online to watch Dragons RFC versus Vodacom Bulls - or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670690 during office hours (9am to 4pm).
We want to score tries because that gives more belief, it’s more exciting and it’s more people filling up Rodney Parade. They just want to be entertained...
