This week we profile Rynardt van Wyk, Dubai Exiles No8.

Height: 1.88m / 6’ 2”

Weight: 110kg / 17st 3lbs

Position: No8

Age: 24

Birthplace: Rustenburg, South Africa

Years in UAE: Eight months

Honours: Sharks U19/Springbok7s/Currie Cup Bulldogs

Favourite childhood memory of rugby: Playing against Springbok Jean Deysel and Willem Alberts.

Favourite player growing up: Richie McCaw and Schalk Burger

Rugby team you support: Blue Bulls

Best international player at the moment and why: Duane Vermeulen because he is constantly playing well and never has an off game.

Law you would change and why: None. I enjoy the game and I enjoy adapting to it.

Best game you ever saw: The last clash between the Boks and the All Blacks. South Africa won 27-25 with a last-minute Pat Lambie penalty, handing New Zealand their first defeat since 2012.

Toughest opponent in UAE: Dragons were good this season but Saracens were harder.

Funniest moment in your career: Last year when I played my last Currie Cup match in South Africa the lights went out in the second half and we finished the last 40 in the dark.

Greatest achievement in any sport: When I was invited to the Springboks 7s camp

If you could be a professional in any other sport what it would be and why: I would love to have gone to the Olympics for athletics.I was a good javelin thrower.

Favourite meal: Steak and cooked veggies, and a pizza now and then isn’t too bad.

Favourite place in the UAE: Definitely the fountains in the Dubai Mall and the Marina walk.