It is all about the love of the game
A big man who plays his heart out for the Golden Oldies
HE towers over most of his opponents on the rugby field, standing 1.98m tall and weighing 175kg, yet he is remarkably mobile on the field for such a big guy.
Joe Steyn is a household name in Alberton club rugby and he is also known as Trashman in the wrestling world.
Despite his size and strength, the gym is not one of his favourite place.
“When I played rugby and even when I wrestled I really didn’t like spending hours in the gym. Most of my strength is natural,” Joe said.
His rugby career started at Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School; he played lock his whole career.
His entry into club rugby started when he finished school in 1985, initially playing for the u-21 team.
“I remember our first season. It went okay. We finished third behind university sides like RAU (now UJ) and Goudstad.
“My best coaches were Hammer Engelbreght and Daniel Schoeman, and the best captain I played under is without a doubt Nelis Alberts.”
Joe describes the highlight of his club rugby career as when he captained the second team in 1988/1989.
“That year we were fortunate enough to win the league. It was a real honour,” Joe said.
Like most players, Joe also retired from the game. However, three years ago he was approached by Dries van Staden when the National Festival was hosted at the Alberton Rugby Club.
“He asked me to play in the exhibition game, and the rest is history. I love being involved in the Golden Oldies.”
Explaining Trashman
Joe is as home in the wrestling ring as on the rugby field.
He started his career as Trashman when he was approached by Dirk Kruger who was involved in wrestling and urged him to give it try.
“I loved it instantly and started training regularly,” said Joe. “The bug had definitely bitten me.”
The RECORD asked Joe his opinion on sceptics saying wrestling is only showmanship.
“Bring them to me and let me deal with them for five minutes and then see if they change their minds,” said Joe, moving forward on his chair.
“The blood is real and if you do a move the wrong way or you are not athletic enough you can do yourself some serious harm. I have in my career been thrown onto a ring floor littered with thumbtacks.
“You are sore for about a week after that. I was once hit so hard by Danie Voges with a chair that I had a concussion. So no, it is not a game at all.
“Maybe 10 per cent is show in that there is always a confrontation between good and evil, but the hits are no joke.”
According to Joe, he received his name Trashman after Paul Lloyd, his career-long promoter, saw him with a trash can in his hand.
Joe said the highlight of his career was the night he won the Africa Wrestling Alliance (AWA) All Africa Championship.
“I beat Shaun Koen, known as the Lion of Africa, in Cape Town. It was brutal. The fight lasted nearly an hour. It was very satisfying.”
Some thoughts on the Rugby World Cup
When asked whether he thinks the Bokke will take the World Cup, he said: “Really tough question. We have a really good shot this year.
“Obviously the All Blacks are strong contenders. But on the day, France can upset any team. Depends on which French team plays on the day. They can beat the best or lose to really mediocre teams. I think they can be a threat.”
The RECORD also asked Joe what changes he would make to the rugby rules if it were up to him.
“I would change the rules governing the driving maul. I think that the driving maul from the line-out should be changed so that only the front player has the ball, not the rear player. In my opinion, all the players in front of the rear player are off side.”
