Taking UXi principles and applying them in the SA Cup: Keegan Fortune’s Journey
Keegan Fortune’s rise from a dedicated player at UXi Sport to a professional rugby athlete is a powerful testament to the UXi academies’ excellence in training and development. His journey is characterised by comprehensive growth, professional preparation, and the resilience needed to succeed at the highest levels of rugby.
The entire experience at UXi Sport left an indelible mark on Keegan. “I cannot single out a specific moment. I think for me the whole experience and one-on-one coaching helped and shaped me into becoming a better player,” he said. This holistic approach ensured that every aspect of his game was honed, from technical skills to mental fortitude. The UXi rugby institute’s personalised coaching and rigorous training programmes were key in his development.
Professional-Standard Training:
The preparation and training at UXi Sport are designed to meet professional standards, making Keegan’s transition to professional rugby seamless. “UXi Sport’s preparation and training are of a professional standard. So for me, it was an easy transition into professional rugby.” The high expectations set at UXi Sport provided a solid foundation for his professional career. The academy’s high-performance program is renowned for equipping athletes with the skills and mindset needed to excel in provincial teams like Pumas Rugby, Western Province Rugby, and Griquas Rugby.
SA Cup Experience:
Competing in the inaugural SA Cup rugby tournament was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Keegan. “It was a tough and very demanding competition. With the training and boot camps done at UXi, it prepared me mentally and physically to push through very challenging situations. The demanding nature of the tournament tested my limits, but the robust training I received at UXi equipped me to excel under pressure.”
Values and Life Lessons:
During his time at UXi Sport instilled in him a deeper appreciation for what he has and the importance of valuing even the smallest things. This perspective has been crucial in both his personal growth and professional success. The inclusive sports management approach at UXi Sport ensures athletes develop on and off the field, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude. “It helped and shaped me into appreciating what I have more, placing value on the little things which eventually add up into things then seen,” he notes.
Advice to Aspiring Players:
Keegan offers sage advice to current and aspiring rugby players at UXi Sport: “Just keep on going regardless of how tough it gets. Use it as a stepping stone to get to where you want to go.” His journey exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to achieve one’s goals. For those looking to become a professional rugby player, the training at UXi Sport, including specialized rugby and corporate programs, is designed to prepare athletes for all aspects of professional sports.
The international rugby institute at UXi Sport provides world-class training that positions athletes for success in various provincial unions, including Pumas Rugby, Western Province Rugby Academy, and Griquas Rugby.
For more information on how UXi Sport can help aspiring rugby players achieve their dreams, visit UXi Sport’s website. Learn more about their high-performance programs, inclusive sports management approach, and how they can help you on your journey to becoming a professional rugby player.
Author: L Julius
Facing Socio- economical challenges- the reality of our youth of South Africa:
For the majority of young men and women in South Africa, dreaming about a career in sport seems impossible, considering their diverse and challenging socio-economic challenges. Athletes from rural areas face nutritional, transport, cultural and logistical issues, with little to no access to sport fields, equipment, sport attire, or fields. Most of these players only start in rugby development and strength and conditioning training when they are eighteen years of age- often seven to eight years later that their piers coming from the one hundred top rugby schools in South Africa. Player alumni like Keegan Fortune, Kurtly Arendse, Grant Williams and Ricky Duarte, inspire UXi International rugby institutes to work harder to level playing fields and give more players a fighting change to shape their futures through this incredible rugby development platform. All it requires is a will to win and overcome adversity with support and encouragement, from a team of player-orientated and experienced skills coaches who want you to succeed!
Thea Miller- COO UXi Sport
