“There was a ‘hit’ in the scrums as were the rules at the time. The engage was from some distance away and my head got into a bad position and I couldn’t get it in between the opposing loosehead prop and hooker. On the engage, my head hit the opposition’s shoulder and my fifth and sixth vertebrae dislocated. I felt an electric shock through my entire body and fell backwards, unable to move anything,” he recalls.

The incident left him a quadriplegic at the age of 16. The road ahead was nightmarish, but celebrating small victories got him through it. “It was very tough, but keeping busy helped a lot. Many moments provided new positivity and energy to keep going. Any instance when you become able or confident enough to do something yourself that you previously needed help with can be seen as a mini step towards living your ‘new life.’”

Speaking of his greatest driving force, the 29-year-old remarked, “Independence, for me, is the most important factor in making a life for yourself. The more independent you are, the more you can carve out a life for yourself and feel more like yourself.

“Independence is very important because you’re limited in how much you can live out who you truly are, how free you are to do what you want and pursue what you want. Even if that means when you have to motivate yourself to do something and to do it for yourself, or at least for reasons determined by yourself and not because someone else convinced or supported you to do so.”

That desire has seen him bounce back from his life-altering injury with aplomb, starting with matriculating at Augsburg before beginning to coach several of the school’s rugby and netball teams. He served as sports manager and marketer at the school from 2019 to 2021, during which time he coached the U11, U13A and U19B rugby teams as well as the U15 Northwest Boland rugby team. 

He then obtained an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science via UNISA and works as a systems administrator at the University of Stellenbosch. “I enjoy it a lot,” he says of his work. “I do a lot of problem-solving and enjoy a challenge, which makes my job very fulfilling. My colleagues are also very caring and will always help where needed.”

Though blessed with “amazing” support from his family, friends and the community of Clanwilliam, his pursuit of independence has seen him spread his wings to Stellenbosch where he lives with a carer. He took things a step further by setting the goal of earning his driver’s license and is well on his way to doing so in his modified Subaru Forester. “Learning how to drive and obtaining my learner’s license was not as difficult as I thought it would be and it feels very empowering. I’d definitely encourage other wheelchair users to get behind the wheel.”

Another key driver of his journey is the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, which Van der Wath had lofty praise for. “The Players’ Fund has supported me on all fronts. In the beginning, emotional support is necessary. Then comes the time when you ask, ‘What now?’ This is where their experience with these situations is very valuable because they know what’s needed and what’s important to think about.

“Everyone’s situation varies to a certain degree, but there are things that are applicable across the board. They know exactly what those things are. This is where the financial support comes in. When you need something that would drastically improve your quality of life, they are there to assist. In my case, there weren’t big financial needs, but the smaller finances they assist with have helped a lot and I’m very thankful for it.”

Ever-positive, he has big plans for the future. “Aside from getting my driver’s license, I want to do an honours degree in mathematics and computer science and set up a Saturday morning tutoring programme where I and other volunteers help school children with mathematics.”

Finally, sharing valuable lessons he’s learned and offering advice to others, he said, “When you need help, ask for it; don't suffer in silence. When things look bad and you’re feeling overwhelmed, just hang in there, you’ll feel better and can overcome many of your obstacles. Focus on the things you can do and enjoy while attempting to do the things you currently can't but want to and last but most important, don’t use excuses in life.”

For more information or to support the Fund, please visit www.playersfund.org.za or scan the QR code below.

Bank details:
Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Business account: 62880005618
Branch code: 204209
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ

By Quintin van Jaarsveld