Aneurin wants to change lives
He has stood on the sidelines several times when the final whistle blew and his team was crowned champions. However, for Aneurin Robyn, it is not about titles or gold medals but the relationships he builds.
Aneurin was the physiotherapist for the 2023 World Cup Springboks, the Stormers when they won the United Rugby Championship, the victorious Junior Springboks in 2012 and part of the Boland management that won the Currie Cup First Division in 2011.
“I started working at the Springboks in 2020. It is an incredible group of players and individuals. I have known some players for years, and it sometimes feels unreal. I worked at the Western Province Rugby Institute with Eben (Etzebeth), Siya (Kolisi), and Frans (Malherbe), among others. I first met Damien Willemse at the u.18 Craven Week. Handré (Pollard) was still at school when the Junior Boks won the World title in Cape Town with players like Steven Kitshoff, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Dillyn Leyds! When I was at Boland, Willie le Roux and Cornal Hendricks were part of the team. I find it difficult to describe how nice and special it is to walk a path with players like these and many others. It is definitely about more than just rugby…”
For this reason, the sudden passing of Cornal on 15 May hit him hard. “It was a privilege to work with Cornal as his physiotherapist. He was an incredible player and an exceptional person – dedicated, humble and full of perseverance. His legacy will live on in our hearts.”
For Aneurin, the most important thing is to make a difference in the lives of others.
“I always look for opportunities to contribute positively and impact someone’s life. For me, it’s always about people,” says the former Stellenbosch High School student.
Aneurin completed a BSc in Physiotherapy in 2004 and an MPhil in Exercise Science in 2013. He obtained his PhD Physiotherapy in 2022.
“My time as a student at the University was one of the best times ever. As a Stellenbosch resident who grew up in Idas Valley, I found studying in my hometown very special. It was an incredible time. I made friends, received opportunities and experienced a lot. I will never forget Vensters, the rafts and the several sleepless nights. Maties was and still is good to me.
“After all, I also got my first job here. I worked at Stellenbosch Campus Health in 2006. I will forever be grateful to Dr Pierre Viviers for his trust in me and willingness to hire me as a rookie. I can still remember his call with the offer. It was one of the best calls I have ever received!”
Aneurin played hockey and cricket (2000-2004)—he was a member of the Maties Hockey Committee—but his main focus was working with the student-athletes (2006-2010) at the Stellenbosch Centre for High Performance. He was there when Maties Rugby won the first three Varsity Cup titles, he helped Heerden Herman represent South Africa in the swimming pool, and as a physiotherapist for Maties Athletics, he worked with various athletes.
He was on the student council at the Tygerberg campus and Primarius of Kerkenberg.
“All these opportunities contributed to my growth and exposed me to leadership roles. I learned the importance of planning, communication and good relationships with people. Finding a balance between academics, sport, leadership, and fun was also challenging. All-important ingredients of being a successful student.”
Although his primary focus is the Springboks and he is looking forward to the international season about to begin, Aneurin is also responsible for coordinating all the medical teams within SARU’s high-performance environment.
“In this role, I lead the planning and integration of medical support, which includes a dedicated group of doctors, physiotherapists, and dieticians. We need to work together for success; therefore, we all have a shared vision. We aim to provide every player with high-quality support and care so that they can reach their full potential and add value to the team.”
He does not hesitate to recommend Stellenbosch University to prospective students.
“The place gives you so many opportunities. There is something here for everyone. Whatever your personality, preferences and background, Maties is the place for you. As a young man from Idas Valley, I will always be grateful for everything SU offers me. Sport has given me a bright future with academics as an important foundation!”
