Player Profile: Tiaan Basson (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
The American polymath Benjamin Franklin coined the term: “jack of all trades, master of one.” To elaborate, the phrase encourages one to be able to do the essentials in every field, but also take the time to become a master of a craft.
In the backline, Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Tiaan Basson can play anywhere between 11 and 14, but he has his eyes set on the number 12 jersey in 2026. He’s an exciting prospect who loves splitting the gap between opposition defenders.
He shared some of his rugby achievements with SuperSport Schools Plus: “I have been blessed enough to be chosen to represent Western Province at Grant Khomo Week, and the Western Province XV at the Craven Week,” he said.
“I have also been on a rugby exchange that was set up with Cheltenham College in Gloucestershire, England. I spent four months there in the offseason before my rookie year at Paul Roos.
“Olly Morgan, a legendary Gloucester fullback who also has two caps for England, coached me at Cheltenham, and helped me with small details that I did not get taught here in South Africa. I experienced schoolboy rugby in England and brought all of that experience into my first year at u19 level.”
The utility back has continued to grow his game at home: “It is difficult for me to say what part of my game has improved most since joining Paul Roos. I have had some amazing coaches who have slowly helped me perfect my craft, step by step,” Basson shared.
“I have always been a hard and physical ball carrier, but I’ve also been working on other parts of my game, such as handling and kicking. The most important trait for me, however, is work rate.
“The part of my game I am working on most at the moment would definitely be perfecting the different variations of passes and kicks at 12 and 13, as well as the 11 and 14 positions.
“A big part of my kicking and passing practice involves looking up to see where space is, as well as noticing when defenders bite and when not,” Basson explained.
He also recalled his introduction to the game: “My earliest memory of rugby would definitely be watching my brother play at a very young age. I remember also kicking the ball with my Dad in our yard. Since then, I have not stopped playing,” he said.
The talented youth was not only influenced by his father and brother, but also by legends of the game: “In terms of role models, I have always looked at two players my whole life. They are Sonny Bill Williams and Jean de Villiers.
“SBW was insanely physical and great with offloads, which is a part of my game that I thrive on. The decision-making and leadership of Jean De Villiers is something I have always admired. Watching him taught me to always treat my teammates with the utmost respect, and to gain their loyalty so that the team can gel.”
Basson also shared his hopes for the next five years, should everything go according to plan. “I have always told myself to take my rugby career step by step, but of course, I have some achievements I want to reach in the next five years. This includes making the SA Schools and SA u18 sides. From there, I’d like to work my way into the SA u20 setup. I would also like to get a few Currie Cup games under the belt, and hopefully play in the URC.”
In 2026, those who watch Paul Roos in action will see a lot of Tiaan Basson – except for those opposition players who fall prey to his crafty interceptions.
