Player Profile – Chris Horak (Hilton College)

In a recent interview, we got some insights into the talented, level-headed and humble player that is Chris Horak. He was also recently included in the Sharks’ team for the prestigious Craven Week that will take place in July in George. 

One of the many great sentiments that Chris shared was that he truly loves the game, and that is why he plays. He said that the day he stops loving the game is the day he’ll stop playing but assured that that day won’t happen anytime soon. 

Chris was born into a rugby family. He spent his Saturdays alongside the field, watching his dad, and those coached by his dad, play the game he would grow to love. This instilled a lifelong passion that he carries to this day.

Chris’ father, Michael Horak, represented England in one test match against Argentina in 2002. He played fullback and wing for the Leicester Tigers, Bristol, London Irish, Treviso and Saracens in his proffesional career.

Horak sr. is an old boy of Grey College in Bloemfontein. He was part of the unbeatend side of 1995. Currently he is the High Performance manager of the Sharks.

When asked who his current favourite player is, Horak said with all the talent at the moment, he would choose Damien Willemse. His reasons being Willemse’s time on the ball, his mastery of the basics and the fact that he is a team player; a character trait highly valued by Horak. 

With Chris being a flyhalf for Hilton, we needed to ask him what makes that position such an integral part of the game and what he brings to the position.

Correctly so, Chris mentioned how the fly-half controls the game. He stated that if a fly-half is scared to take the role seriously, the game won’t go the way you want.

Chris commented that he is not the flashiest player, but rather wants the team to grow as a whole. He is not selfish and instead wants everyone grow and perform well, everyone should have the chance to look good. Chris said “I’d much rather be in a star team than a team of stars”. 

Chris credited his father as being his inspiration, saying he would love to follow in his footsteps. As time has gone on, Chris said he has also reached the phase where he wants to create his own legacy and grow every day. He wants to be someone to look up to, for the younger players and his team. Chris wants to inspire the next generation of Hiltonians. 

When asked what the biggest obstacle was that he needed to overcome, Horak explained how some people assumed he only made teams because of his family name. Although at first, he let it get to him, it is not the case anymore. He says that they can talk, but he will work hard everyday and focus on his performance. The work will speak for itself. 

Of course, the questions had to be asked, of what it is like to have a dad with such a strong reputation within the community. Chris said that his dad has put no pressure on him, he made it clear that he would back Chris with whatever he chose to do.

He backed all of Chris’ decisions and trusted him to do the right thing. Chris did say that is has been really cool having the father he does and that he has met some really cool people throughout his life. 

Chris’ goals for the season are to keep growing as a player, inspire the next generation of Hiltonians and let the action do the talking. He wants to do well to pursue a career in rugby after school.