A Cronje in the USA

One of the late Hansie Cronjé's family members is making history his own in the USA. Johan Cronjé (18) is a second cousin of Hansie, their grandfathers were brothers. He was recently selected for the American u-19 rugby team which will take part in the International Rugby Board’s U-19 World Championships on 4-12 April in Dubai. He joins fellow South African Jason Engelbrecht on the US team. Jason lives in Roanoke, Texas, where he is a flanker for the Dallas Harlequins. Johan's debut match was in February against Canada. The fullback and wing attended Afrikaans Hoër in Pretoria and now lives in Wall Township, New Jersey, with his mother Marietjie. His father Louis lives in Pretoria. Johan plays for New York Old Blue. He moved to the US four years ago. Last November he was voted player of the tournament at the New York sevens tournament. Johan was 14 when he played his first match for New York Old Blue, against the national senior champions. He had played American football for a year before changing back to rugby. Johan is a student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He still supports the Blou Bulle.