THABO Ndimande perfectly sums up what Worcester Warriors are about, according to forwards coach Tom Cruse.
Backrow turnover-specialist Ndimande has appeared in each of Warriors' 18 Champ Rugby games in their return season in some capacity, either starting the match or making an impact off the bench.
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He has benefited in recent weeks from an injury to standout performer Khalik Kareem, seeing him earn a run of consecutive starts in the side, continuing to deliver his momentum-shifting moments throughout matches with big hits and turnovers.
Ndimande starred in Warriors' most recent game against Caldy on Saturday, February 21, barraging over for a pair of tries in a typically physical showing.
In his first season outside of his home nation, Cruse feels the former under-19 Springbok has become a "really big part" of both what Warriors are about and what they're trying to do.
"I think he is a really good summary of what we are as a group," Cruse told Worcester News.
"People have come from all over to be a part of what we are and what we are doing.
"He has absolutely thrived in that. He has been brilliant.
"He is a great personality, he adds loads of personality, loads of noise - should I say - to the group.
"He plays the game with a smile on his face, he rips in, he is a full foot down, all-action sort of player isn’t he?
"He is really exciting to watch, he’s physical, he’s a really big part of what we’re trying to do."
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Ndimande, who has regularly led the division in both turnovers won and jackals throughout the current campaign, spent his entire professional career prior to the move to Warriors with Griquas having joined them straight out of the Varsity Cup where he represented Shimlas.
He was first discovered by VUKA during the 2015 under-15 Iqhawe Week and Legends Cup Tournament.
He went on to impress in the 2016 Grant Khomo Week, alongside the 2017 and 2018 Craven Week, before shining for Shimlas in the 2022 Varsity Cup.
He won the forward of the tournament in the 2022 Varsity Cup, alongside being part of the Griquas squad that won the 2024 SA Cup.
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