HARTPURY University star Matthew Hillary has returned to South Africa because of frustrating visa complications but still aspires to play rugby in England down the line.
The 23-year-old back row was captain of Hartpury’s BUCS Super Rugby side and was named in the competition’s team of the season after guiding his side to win the Cup competition and finish fourth in the league.
Hillary hoped to play in the Premiership and had discussions with top flight teams but has instead been forced to return to his homeland where he has joined URC outfit the Lions in Johannesburg on a trial basis.
He told The Rugby Paper: “I’ve spoken to a few Prem clubs and stuff, and it all comes down to that I’ve only achieved BUCS level and nothing higher. They want to sign me but they would have to sign me as an international player.
“As an international player, you have to achieve a certain level of requirements, like playing professionally back home or having X amount of games. It’s a tough situation to be in.
“My plan is to hopefully get the opportunity to sign for two years at the Lions, and then hopefully play for them. That would grant me the opportunity to come back to England and play for hopefully any of these teams here, because the Prem is good.
“Being here for three years, I’ve watched all the league week in, week out.
I’d love to be in a setup here.”
A keen traveller, the South African thrived in leading Hartpury and is proud of his impacts in the university league.
“My home is in South Africa, so I can always go back,” said Hillary. “I love cherishing opportunities abroad. And it’s also hand in hand, being here, playing rugby could allow me to get a passport.
“The South African passport is very tame in the world, you can’t get many places with a South African passport, meaning you have to borrow visas. Work opportunities outside of rugby are also way greater this side of the world.
“I’m happy that I got to play every game this year. There were some ups and downs, but considering the injuries I had last season I’m just happy I had a full season this year. I played every game to my best ability. I just love being on the rugby field and being out with the boys and leading them to victory.
“It was a very easy team to lead this year. There were a lot of personalities and different traits that played a big part in the leadership. Everyone was on the same page.”
Hillary prides his game on his attacking skills, producing ferocious carries off the back of scrums but hopes to upgrade on his defensive skills when he begins training with the Lions.
He added: “I love having the ball. I love working with the ball. Attacking-wise, I love to carry and defensively, I feel like I can read the game a little bit better than others in my positions. I’ve just got a greater understanding for the game. I’ve luckily had leaders next to me but I feel like my actions prove that. I’d rather walk the walk than talk the talk and sometimes those actions are better than words. It seems like it’s worked throughout my career as a leader. And it seems like the boys back me whenever it comes to situations like that.
“The biggest work on would be staying square in defence. I want to get more positive defensive tackles regularly. So, I’m just going to train hard, work hard and wait for the Lions and I’m sure they’ll be able to help in those aspects. Other than that, I feel like I have a solid game all around the field and I’m just grateful to be able to carry on playing the sport.”
BUCS SUPER RUGBY TEAM OF THE SEASON
15. Josh Carrington (Cardiff Met), 14. Alex Garrett (Nottingham), 13. Jacob Cusick (Loughborough), 12. Wilf McCarthy (Hartpury), 11. Fin Doyle (Loughborough), 10. Morgan Meredith (Loughborough), 9. Sam Bryan (Loughborough); 1. Tom Gulley (Exeter), 2. Max Pearce (Bath), 3. Alfie Griffin (Bath), 4. Owain Evans (Loughborough), 5. Will Rampley (Nottingham), 6. Kane James (Exeter), 7. Dan Eckersley (Loughborough), 8. Matt Hillary (Hartpury)
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