Marvin Orie will finally get to realise his lifelong dream of playing a competitive match in the hooped jersey when the Stormers face the Sharks in Rainbow Cup SA tomorrow at 2pm.
The 28-year-old former Tygerberg High learner was snapped up by the Blue Bulls straight after his school years, having caught the eye with his performances for Western Province at age-group level.
After that he played for the Pretoria-based team, their neighbours the Lions and also had a loan stint at Wales club Ospreys.
But the three-cap Springbok is back home now and after having had a taste of what it’s like to play for the Stormers in the Preparation Series against the Lions last month, he can’t wait to make his competitive debut at Cape Town Stadium tomorrow.
Orie explains: “It’s really amazing to be back – it took me quite a few years to come back to my home region.
“There’s a lot of pride for me in this jersey, I’ve worn it as a 13-year-old for the first time, so a lot of emotions went into that first match a few weeks ago and I’m looking forward to many more good memories, hopefully a good start this weekend.”
The lock adds: “There are a couple of moments you always remember in your life – in my case, the first one in my career was as a 13-year-old pulling the blue and white jersey over my head for the first time.
“I am blessed to have played for the Springboks and I got the very same feeling.
“Four weeks ago was my first game, I actually took my U13 Craven Week jersey from my mom’s house to that first game. It’s a region, a team, a jersey that’s close to my heart. A lot of emotion – a region that I will always give my 100 percent for.”
At the other end of the pitch, former Stormers captain Siya Kolisi will make his return to the Mother City in the No.6 jersey for the Sharks, who named their team yesterday.
Stormers coach John Dobson will announce his side today.