Patient Chiliboy enjoying return

The Springbok hooker recently saw out his two year ban for doping and has been a welcome boon for the Sharks this season. Where Kyle Cooper has been somewhat uninspiring, Ralepelle has brought more fire power to the Sharks pack.

With Franco Marais enjoying a break from rugby this weekend and Springbok props Coenie Oosthuizen and Beast Mtawarira rested as per their national contracts, Ralepelle will run out in the number 2 jumper for the first time this season.

With two years to mull over his wrongdoings, Ralepelle admitted that returning to rugby has been a blessing this year.

“For me, it’s such a wonderful opportunity to be back and running out representing the Sharks. I guess it’s an opportunity that has been long-awaited, to get to this point, and I can’t wait to go out there and do it for the guys next to me and play with some legends,” Ralepelle said.

After so long out of action, the hooker surprised many by his return to play. He hasn’t usurped Marais of his starting berth but he has proved an able replacement and his experience is a welcome boost to a fairly young Sharks pack.

Salvaging reputation

With doping frowned upon around the world, Ralepelle joined the names of sporting legends who have fallen prey to the underworld of doping. Some never make a comeback to their sporting codes, but Ralepelle said keeping a positive attitude during his ban is what got him through a tough period.

“I guess there’s an old saying that every downfall creates an opportunity and that’s the mindset I went with. It was an opportunity to get out there, work and be with my family and loved ones, spend more time with them and appreciate the small things,” Ralepelle said.

“As a player, we get so stuck into routine and you forget the small things the world has to offer so I made sure I used my time wisely like that.”

Having plied his trade in Pretoria at the Bulls and in Toulouse in France, Ralepelle has cashed in on the fair weather in Durban. The 29-year-old seems to be enjoying his time in Durban.

“Durban is quite different from all the places I’ve played. It’s got a relaxed, calm air about it and it’s such a great place to play. If you look around the country, it’s going into winter but for us it still feels like summer. It’s fantastic to be here all year round.”

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