Tielman Nieuwoudt – Player Profile

Tielman Nieuwoudt is a 23-year-old South African loosehead prop, who can also cover tighthead, and currently plays for the Bulls. He hails from Hoopstad and attended Grey College in Bloemfontein.

In 2019, Nieuwoudt secured his place in South African schools’ rugby folklore with a remarkable try-saving tackle on Cade Croy of Paul Roos during the famous “51 Shades of Grey” match at Markötter Field in Stellenbosch.

For Tielman, rugby is a sport where unity can make or break you and where true brotherhood is formed. His life motto is: “Good people make good people — you won’t be yourself.”

1. My most memorable moment on the rugby field:
Chasing down a winger and tackling him five metres before the try line when we played Paul Roos at Markötter in 2019. That moment will always stay with me.

2. Pre-game ritual or superstition:
Not really. I focus on preparation and getting my mindset right for the game.

3. Biggest inspiration in rugby:
Probably our first-team conditioning coach, Inus Keyser, and my Under-16 coach, Pieter van Solms. They both taught me resilience, how to push through tough times, and how to always look for the light at the end of the tunnel.

4. Funniest player in the squad:
Carl Wegner (Toffe).

5. A challenging moment in my rugby career and how I overcame it:
Having two back operations and thinking I might never play rugby again was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. I overcame it by committing fully to rehab, working hard to ensure my body could function properly again, and staying grounded in my faith by praying and asking God to help me return to the game.

6. Hobbies and activities away from rugby:
Fishing and hunting.

7. Advice for young aspiring rugby players:
Always keep your head up, even when things don’t go your way. Keep fighting for what you believe in, even when it gets tough.

8. Most unusual or unique place I’ve played rugby:
Northam Rhinos while playing for Tuks — a field surrounded by mines and extremely hot conditions.

9. Three rugby legends I would invite to a braai:

• Willem Alberts
• Jacques van Rooyen
• Johan Goosen

10. Can I light a fire without blitz?
Definitely — it just depends on having good wood.

Off the Field Favourites:

• Favourite Food: Rump steak
• Favourite Song: Halley se Komeet
• Favourite Movies: Gladiator and American Underdog

Social Media:

• Facebook: Tielman Nieuwoudt
• Instagram: @tielman_nieuwoudt_