Eagle Profile On Takudzwa Ngwenya

Monday Mar 26, 2007 in Magazine Magazine

Name: Takudzwa Ngwenya

Nickname: Zee

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 190 pounds

Birthplace: Zimbabwe

Birthdate: July 22, 1985 (21)

Residence: Dallas

Occupation: Student

Marital status: Single

College: U of Texas

Years playing rugby: Seven

Positions: Wing/full back

Present club: Dallas Athletic Rugby Club

Previous club: Dallas-Forth Worth

# of Eagle 7s matches: 12

Territorial experience: West 15s and 7s, 2006

Most valuable teammates: All of them

Most difficult opposing team: Fiji

Most difficult opponent: No one is difficult.

Most respected players (same position): Mike Palefau, Mike Harvey, Jason Pye, James Gillenwater, and Justin Boyd.

Favorite players: Jone Naqica, Jarvis Albury, Tinashe Ngwenya

How did you start playing rugby? I was born in Zimbabwe, where rugby is the number one sport, so I grew up with it.

Biggest influence on rugby career: God, my family, Mike Harvey, Jason Swick, Russell Sanders

Best memory in rugby: Defeating Kenya at the USA 7s in front of our home supporters.

Biggest disappointment in rugby: Not being able to go to New Zealand for the Wellington 7s and losing to Canada in the USA 7s.

Childhood rugby hero: My mother

Tours: Singapore and Bangkok

Best country visited: Singapore

Comments on US rugby: I have only been in the country for four years and had no idea that there was a higher level of rugby. I had been playing the past three years with division 1, 2 and 3 teams. We have the talent, our coaches are amazing, and we are no longer playing rugby just to give teams a run for their money. It’s no longer their money anymore.

Area where US rugby needs work: USA rugby needs more fan support, which would allow us to have a full-time, professional sport. With the youth we now have coming into the sport, being able to afford full-time players would make us a force to be recognized.

Area where US rugby has improved: Coaching, youth, dedication and sponsors; this is the beginning of a competitive future.

Goals in rugby: Continue to get stronger, faster, and fitter and to improve my vision.

Favorite post-match ritual: Thank God first and then drink Kava with Jone Naqica and his family.

Other sports: Tennis, basketball, swimming and soccer

Leisure interests: Music, playing rugby on play station, reading and playing cards with my family.

Significant books: Bible and Troy

Favorite character in literature: Jesus, Achilles

Favorite films: Troy, Independence Day

Favorite character in film: Brad Pitt as Achilles and Will Smith

Favorite TV programs: Super Natural, Smallville, Steve Harvey

Favorite musical groups: Era

Best playing field: Dallas Forth Worth

Best tournament: 2007 USA 7s, San Diego

Best coach: Al Caravelli

Best manager: Dave Tangoway

Best captain: Jone Naqica

Personal goals: Become stronger and fitter

Claim to fame: Running the fastest time at camp

Most embarrassing moment in rugby: Trying to run over an opponent in the try zone when I could have grounded the ball. It resulted in me being held up and my team losing the game by an unconverted try.

Favorite quote: One half at a time.

This story originally appeared in the March issue of Rugby Magazine. To subscribe please click here.

 

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