Rugby can be a brutal game; both physically and mentally. This especially rings true for players trying to make it through on to the professional rugby circuit.
But for Ronnie du Randt, after a successful spell in sevens with the Scimitar Storm, it’s all systems go as he looks to leave a mark on third tier rugby in England with the Rotherham Titans, a long-term Scimitar partner. We sat down with Ronnie, who we are delighted to sponsor this year, to talk about his sevens experiences in the summer. We find out how he’s settling down to life in Yorkshire after leaving Championship side Nottingham Rugby. He returns to Clifton Lane, ten years after watching from the stands as his brother, William du Randt, played for the Titans as a full back/winger.
From sevens with England and Scimitar Storm to third tier rugby with the Rotherham Titans! How are you feeling about it all?
A: It’s been an exciting journey. Playing sevens with England and now Scimitar Storm was an incredible experience, but transitioning to Titans is giving me a new challenge that I’m really excited about. Fifteens rugby is a completely different environment compared to sevens, especially in a club like the Titans, where the history and ambition are so strong. I’m feeling great about it—it’s nice to be part of a team that’s so hungry for success, and I can’t wait to contribute to their journey back up the leagues.
Have you settled in well with all the lads – have they been nice and welcoming?
Yeah, the lads have been brilliant. From day one, everyone has been really welcoming, and you can feel a strong bond in the team. It’s a good mix of experienced guys and younger players, so the balance has been great for me in terms of settling in quickly.
How did a summer with Scimitar Storm prepare you for Titans’ first season back in Nat 1 since 2019/20?
Playing sevens with Scimitar Storm over the summer was a great way to stay sharp and keep my fitness levels up. Sevens is a fast-paced game, and you need to have a lot of stamina and quick decision-making. That’s helped me massively in preparing for the fifteens game with the Titans. Even with their diffeneces , the skills and fitness from sevens are definitely transferable, especially when it comes to open play and quick transitions. So, it’s been a great summer prep for the season ahead.
Thinking about the previous question, what’s the biggest difference for you between the sevens and fifteens game, and the transition between playing the two?
The biggest difference is probably the pace and space. In sevens, there’s a lot more open field, so it’s all about speed, agility, and creating one-on-one situations. Fifteens, on the other hand, is much more about structure, physicality, and working within a set game plan.
What can we expect from Ronnie Du Randt this season, and can the Titans go all the way and clinch a successive promotion?
You can expect 100% effort from me every game. I’m here to give everything for the Titans, whether that’s in defence, attack, or just bringing energy to the squad. I want to make a big impact and help the team reach its goals. As for promotion, I think we have what it takes. The squad is strong, we’re all on the same page in terms of ambition, and if we stick to our game plan and stay consistent throughout the season, I don’t see why we can’t go all the way.
