Future Wallaby stakes claim
REMEMBER the name David Horwitz, because he could be Australia’s first Jewish Super 15 player.
REMEMBER the name David Horwitz, because he could be Australia’s first Jewish Super 15 player.
The year 11 student received the highest possible accolade in Schoolboy rugby this month when he was selected as a member of the Australian Schoolboys rugby team to play test matches against England and New Zealand later this year.
Horwitz, who attends The Scots College in Sydney, was selected after representing NSW at the 37th annual Australian Schools Rugby Union Championships in Brisbane earlier this month.
Scots’ director of rugby Marcus Blackburn praised the young fly half, saying he had a bright future in the code. “He is certainly one of the best players I have been involved with,” he said. “David has always had that high skill level. Now he has the self-discipline and work ethic to achieve what he wants to achieve.”
A former Moriah College student, Horwitz made the switch to The Scots College to pursue his sporting talents.
Blackburn said Horwitz had the right attributes for professional rugby.
“With David retaining that work ethic, he can do it if he wants to,” he said. “I really hope, and I genuinely feel, he deserves a crack at the top. It will be great to see him there in the future.”
Blackburn added that he would be working with Horwitz over the next 16 months “to help him on his way”.
Blackburn said the Schoolboys competition is a breeding ground for Super Rugby.
“All of the players selected will be given an opportunity at one of the five Super 15 clubs in Australia and it will be up to [Horwitz] if he can take it.”
Current stars Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper also wore the schoolboy green and gold when they were 16.
While a shy and humble Horwitz declined to be interviewed, father Gary Horwitz told The AJN he was proud of his son.
“The hard works speaks for itself to be selected in this team,” he said.
“To say I’m proud is an understatement.”
Gary also praised his son’s talent and dedication. “He has his own will power and he just has that natural ability,” he said.
“To play fly half you have to have a pretty defined skill set. It’s a huge honour. From that, he will hopefully go as far as he wants to, for the Waratahs and Wallabies.”
JOSHUA LEVI
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