The URC Final is a Springboks audition for Embrose Papier when the Vodacom Bulls play hosts Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday.
Papier, who played seven times for the Springboks in 2018, has not featured again in the back-to-back World Cup winning era of Springbok coaches Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber.
Papier’s national absence has not been for a lack of effort, game time or Bulls involvement.
No player in the Bulls set-up, possibly across all four South African URC franchises, has played in more matches since the start of the Bulls than Papier. His statistics, in his conditioning and fitness, make a powerful statement. The Bulls, on Saturday, would have played 82 matches in the history of the URC, which will include three finals in four seasons, and Papier has played in 73 of those matches. In the last three seasons, he averages 21 matches a season in the URC and 25 matches for the Bulls in all competitions.
CHAT GPT HAS THE BULLS BEATING LEINSTER IN THE URC FINAL IN DUBLIN
PAPIER’S SHOT AT BOK REDEMPTION
Who is Embrose Papier?
THE EARLY YEARS
Papier’s rugby journey began in the small Western Cape town of Clanwilliam, but it was clear from a young age that he was destined for bigger stages. At just 13, he earned provincial honours playing for Boland at the 2010 Craven Week. A year later, he enrolled at Hoërskool Swartland—alma mater to future Springbok Pieter-Steph Du Toit—before moving to Pretoria in 2013 to further his rugby ambitions at Hoërskool Garsfontein.
Papier’s star rose quickly. That same year, he represented the Blue Bulls at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week, scoring against Eastern Province. In 2014, still only 17, he played at the Under-18 Craven Week and earned selection for SA Schools, where he scored tries against Wales and made key contributions throughout the international series.
In 2015, he cemented his status as one of South Africa’s most promising young talents. Vice-captain of the SA Schools team, he started every match in the international series, scoring against Wales and England to help the team remain unbeaten.
Post-matric, Papier joined the Blue Bulls academy and made the final South Africa Under-20 squad for the 2016 World Rugby Championship. Though an ankle injury ended his tournament early, he had already made his mark—scoring against France in the pool stages.
He recovered in time to contribute to the Blue Bulls’ Under-19 campaign, scoring in a dominant win over the Leopards. Though the Bulls fell short in the semi-finals, Papier’s early years had already laid the foundation for a future Springbok.
Src: keo.co.za
