Gary van Aswegen
{{Short description|South African rugby union player}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox rugby union biography
| name = Gary van Aswegen
| image =
| fullname = Gary Jacques van Aswegen
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1990|02|18}}
| birth_place = Pretoria, South Africa
| height = {{height|m=1.78}}
| weight = {{convert|88|kg|stlb lb|0|abbr=on}}
| nickname =
| occupation =
| school = Standerton Hoërskool, Standerton
| university = Stellenbosch University
| relatives =
| position = Fly-half
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 2006–2008
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut|Pumas}}
| youthyears2 = 2009–2011
| youthclubs2 = {{Rut|Western Province}}
| years1 = 2010–2014
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Western Province}}
| apps1 = 20
| points1 = 124
| years2 = 2011–2014
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Stormers}}
| apps2 = 15
| points2 = 30
| years3 = 2014–2015
| clubs3 = {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}}
| apps3 = 11
| points3 = 40
| totalyears = 2010–2015
| totalapps = 46
| totalpoints = 194
| clubupdate = 4 January 2016
}}
Gary Jacques van Aswegen (born 18 February 1990) is a South African former rugby union player that played as a fly-half throughout his career. He represented {{Rut|Western Province}} in the domestic Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup competitions between 2010 and 2014 and the {{Rut|Stormers}} in Super Rugby from 2011 to 2013. He also played for the {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} in 2014 and 2015.{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=40866 | name=Gary van Aswegen | date=29 May 2016}} He retired after the 2015 season, aged 25.{{cite web | url=http://www.netwerk24.com/Sport/Rugby/gary-van-aswegen-hang-stewels-op-verlore-vir-griekwas-20160105 | title=Gary van Aswegen hang stewels op, verlore vir Griekwas | work=Netwerk24 | date=5 January 2016 | access-date=5 January 2016 | language=af}}
Rugby career
=Youth=
Van Aswegen was included in a number of youth sides for local province side the {{Rut|Pumas}} while playing rugby for Hoërskool Standerton. He represented them at the 2006 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week tournament, the 2007 Under-18 Academy Week tournament and the 2008 Under-18 Craven Week tournament.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/06/23/JP/15/ltpumacraven.html | title=Agt van M'burg in span | publisher=Beeld | date=23 June 2008 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082924/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/06/23/JP/15/ltpumacraven.html | archive-date=19 August 2014 | df=dmy-all }} He was named Player of the Day on the second matchday of the competition{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/08/B1/16/pumslo.html | title=Speler van die dag | publisher=Beeld | date=8 July 2008 | access-date=17 June 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082529/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/08/B1/16/pumslo.html | archive-date=19 August 2014 | df=dmy-all }} after scoring a kick in the final minute of their match against {{Rut|Western Province}} to secure a 19–17 victory for the team from Mpumalanga.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/08/B1/16/mgmaandag2_1751.html | title=Blou Maandag vir Bulletjies | publisher=Beeld | date=8 July 2008 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023601/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/08/B1/16/mgmaandag2_1751.html | archive-date=4 March 2016 | df=dmy-all }} He was then named in the northern Under–18 Elite squad after the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/16/B1/17/kort15.html |title=Kortsport |publisher=Beeld |date=16 July 2008 |access-date=17 June 2014 |language=af |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082708/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2008/07/16/B1/17/kort15.html |archive-date=19 August 2014 |df=dmy }}
In 2009, Van Aswegen moved to Cape Town to join {{Rut|Western Province}}. He played for the {{Rut|Western Province U19}} side during the 2009 Under-19 Provincial Championship and earned an inclusion in the South African Under-20 side that played their Argentinean counterparts in 2010.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/03/03/B1/20/pjBokkies.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140617095322/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/03/03/B1/20/pjBokkies.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 June 2014 | title=Skolesterre vandag in Vredenburg vir Bokkies in aksie | publisher=Beeld | date=3 March 2010 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af }} He also joined a training for the South African Under-20s prior to the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship,{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/04/01/B1/30/pjBabaBok.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140617095408/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2010/04/01/B1/30/pjBabaBok.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 June 2014 | title=Mjekevu, Lambie in SA o.20-oefengroep | publisher=Beeld | date=1 April 2010 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af }} but failed to make the final squad.
Van Aswegen started in thirteen matches for the {{Rut|Western Province U21}} side during the 2010 Under-21 Provincial Championship, scoring 207 points and easily finishing as the top scorer in the competition, 41 points ahead of second-placed Marnitz Boshoff of the {{Rut|Blue Bulls U21}}.{{SA Rugby Top Scorers | id=769 | comp=2010 ABSA Under 21 Competition | date=5 May 2016}} He was also largely responsible for Western Province winning the competition, scoring 23 points in their 43–32 victory over the Blue Bulls at {{Rus|Kings Park Stadium}}.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=19798 | homeid=8004 | awayid=8042 | leagueid=769 | hometeam=Blue Bulls | homescore=32 | awayscore=43 | awayteam=Western Province | matchdate=30 October 2010 | date=6 May 2016}}
=Western Province / Stormers=
In addition to his points-scoring exploits for the Under-21 side, Van Aswegen also made his first class debut in September 2010. He came on as a substitute in {{Rut|Western Province}}'s 2010 Currie Cup Premier Division match away to his former side, the {{Rut|Pumas}} and scored three conversions in the match, the first a mere two minutes after coming on.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=18755 | homeid=8013 | awayid=8011 | leagueid=767 | hometeam=Barloworld Toyota Pumas | homescore=10 | awayscore=62 | awayteam=Vodacom Western Province | matchdate=17 September 2010 | date=6 May 2016}} He made his home debut against {{Rut|Griquas}}, once again coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring one conversion.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=18758 | homeid=8011 | awayid=8006 | leagueid=767 | hometeam=Vodacom Western Province | homescore=48 | awayscore=32 | awayteam=GWK Griquas | matchdate=24 September 2010 | date=6 May 2016}}
In 2011, with just the two first class games under his belt, Van Aswegen also earned his inclusion in the {{Rut|Stormers}} squad for the 2011 Super Rugby season.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/02/20/SK/21/snhakers-VB-120.html | title=Matie sê nee vir Stormers | publisher=Beeld | date=20 February 2010 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622030736/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/02/20/SK/21/snhakers-VB-120.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }} With first-choice fly-half Peter Grant only recently having returned from playing Top League rugby with Kobelco Steelers, coach Allister Coetzee decided to start Van Aswegen in the Stormers' opening match of the season against the {{Rut|Lions}}.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=19630 | homeid=8388 | awayid=8386 | leagueid=795 | hometeam=DHL Stormers | homescore=19 | awayscore=16 | awayteam=MTN Lions | matchdate=26 February 2011 | date=6 May 2016}} Van Aswegen kicked three penalties before being replaced by Grant just after the hour mark as the Stormers ran out 19–16 winners. He played off the bench the following week against the {{Rut|Cheetahs}} in a 21–15 victory,{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=19636 | homeid=8388 | awayid=8387 | leagueid=795 | hometeam=DHL Stormers | homescore=21 | awayscore=15 | awayteam=Toyota Cheetahs | matchdate=5 March 2011 | date=6 May 2016}} but he was mainly an unused substitute for the next few weeks and even dropped down to {{Rut|Western Province}}'s Vodacom Cup squad for their match against {{Rut|Griquas}}.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=20072 | homeid=8462 | awayid=8467 | leagueid=802 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=23 | awayscore=22 | awayteam=GWK Griquas | matchdate=26 March 2011 | date=6 May 2016}} He made one more Super Rugby appearance in 2011, starting their return match against the {{Rut|Lions}} in Johannesburg{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=19675 | homeid=8386 | awayid=8388 | leagueid=795 | hometeam=MTN Lions | homescore=19 | awayscore=33 | awayteam=DHL Stormers | matchdate=16 April 2011 | date=6 May 2016}} and scoring an early penalty before suffering a medial knee injury in the 13th minute, which ruled him out of the remainder of the competition.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/04/18/B1/26/sndrie.html | title=Span 'betaal prys' | publisher=Beeld | date=18 April 2011 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085824/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/04/18/B1/26/sndrie.html | archive-date=19 August 2014 | df=dmy-all }}
Van Aswegen returned from his knee injury during the 2011 Currie Cup Premier Division competition to start their match against {{Rut|Griquas}}, scoring sixteen points in a 26–26 draw,{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=20138 | homeid=8537 | awayid=8538 | leagueid=809 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=26 | awayscore=26 | awayteam=GWK Griquas | matchdate=16 July 2011 | date=6 May 2016}} but was once again forced to limp off in the final minute of the match.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/18/SK/22/sngazza-B1-01.html | title=Nr.10-spook loop | publisher=Beeld | date=18 July 2011 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622031458/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/18/SK/22/sngazza-B1-01.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }} He once again suffered a tear in the same ligament as before, ruling him out of rugby for the remainder of 2011.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/19/SK/16/sngary-B1-01.html | title=Dis nou Dollie of Demetri vir WP | publisher=Beeld | date=19 July 2011 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622031207/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2011/07/19/SK/16/sngary-B1-01.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }}
Van Aswegen recovered in time for the start of the 2012 Super Rugby season and started the first two matches of the campaign with Peter Grant once again only returning from Japan shortly before the start of the season. He faced his first international side in Super Rugby with the visit of the {{Rut|Hurricanes}} on the opening day and contributed one drop goal in a 39–26 win, with Joe Pietersen having taken over the main kicking duties.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=100071 | homeid=10261 | awayid=10271 | leagueid=1041 | hometeam=DHL Stormers | homescore=39 | awayscore=26 | awayteam=Hurricanes | matchdate=25 February 2012 | date=6 May 2016}} The second match was against Durban-based side the {{Rut|Sharks}}, with the Stormers securing a narrow 15–12 win.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=100151 | homeid=10261 | awayid=10211 | leagueid=1041 | hometeam=DHL Stormers | homescore=15 | awayscore=12 | awayteam=Sharks | matchdate=3 March 2012 | date=6 May 2016}} One more appearance off the bench followed in their match against the {{Rut|Blues}},{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=100241 | homeid=10261 | awayid=10161 | leagueid=1041 | hometeam=DHL Stormers | homescore=27 | awayscore=17 | awayteam=Blues | matchdate=16 March 2012 | date=6 May 2016}} but the injury curse struck again, with an ankle injury picked up during training ruling Van Aswegen out for the remainder of the season.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/29/B1/5/1snrynhardt.html | title=Stormers laai lynstaan | publisher=Beeld | date=29 March 2012 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622033341/http://152.111.1.88/argief/berigte/beeld/2012/03/29/B1/5/1snrynhardt.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }} He returned in August 2012 to play in one match in the 2012 Currie Cup Premier Division competition against the {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)}}{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104181 | homeid=11531 | awayid=11541 | leagueid=1221 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=23 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=The Sharks | matchdate=11 August 2012 | date=6 May 2016}} before playing some club rugby for {{Rut|Maties}} in the Western Province Super League to regain some match fitness.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2012/08/20/SK/15/skuitslae.html | title=Uitslae | publisher=Die Burger | date=20 August 2012 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622025849/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2012/08/20/SK/15/skuitslae.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }} After one more Currie Cup appearance against {{Rut|Griquas}},{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104381 | homeid=11531 | awayid=11561 | leagueid=1221 | hometeam=DHL Western Province | homescore=45 | awayscore=21 | awayteam=GWK Griquas | matchdate=22 September 2012 | date=6 May 2016}} yet another knee injury ended his 2012 campaign.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2012/09/27/SK/28/snwpseer.html | title=Beseringspook slaan toe by WP | publisher=Die Burger | date=27 September 2014 | access-date=17 June 2014 | language=af | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622015347/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2012/09/27/SK/28/snwpseer.html | archive-date=22 June 2015 | df=dmy-all }}
In 2013, Van Aswegen put his injury problems behind him and, after playing three matches in the 2013 Vodacom Cup competition and scoring 27 points, he joined up with the {{Rut|Stormers}} side once more. He made nine appearances during the 2013 Super Rugby season, contributing 15 points with the boot. A further four appearances followed during the 2013 Currie Cup Premier Division competition, with Van Aswegen scoring 22 points before another knee injury saw him miss the rest of the season.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2013/09/17/KS/24/StoryD.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140617095332/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2013/09/17/KS/24/StoryD.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 June 2014 | title=Catrakilis kry 'n kans | publisher=Die Son | date=17 September 2013 | access-date=17 June 2014 }}
At the start of the 2014 Super Rugby season, Van Aswegen found him behind Peter Grant, Demetri Catrakilis and Kurt Coleman in the pecking order at the {{Rut|Stormers}}. While being included in their squad, he dropped down to the Vodacom Cup squad for the 2014 Vodacom Cup. He started seven out of their eight matches in the competition, contributing 38 points. He also scored his first ever first class try in their match against Western Cape neighbours, the {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=118224 | homeid=17594 | awayid=17604 | leagueid=1734 | hometeam=SWD Eagles | homescore=23 | awayscore=14 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=25 April 2014 | date=6 May 2016}} In June 2014, he was part of a Western Province side that played matches against {{nrut|Kenya}} and {{nrut|Namibia}}, captaining them in the latter match.{{cite press release | url=http://wprugby.com/dhl-wp-lose-it-at-the-death/ | title=DHL WP lose it at the death | publisher=Western Province | date=14 June 2014 | access-date=17 June 2014}}
=Eastern Province Kings=
In June 2014, the {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} announced that Van Aswegen would join them on a one-month trial prior to the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division competition.{{cite web | url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/WP-flyhalf-on-trial-at-Kings-20140617 | title=WP flyhalf on trial at Kings | publisher=Sport24 | date=17 June 2014 | access-date=17 June 2014}} He successfully concluded the trial and signed a deal with the Port Elizabeth-based side until 2016.{{cite web | url=http://www.heraldlive.co.za/samoan-speedster-perez-van-aswegen-boost-kings/ | title=Samoan speedster Perez, Van Aswegen boost Kings | publisher=Herald Live | date=14 July 2014 | access-date=14 July 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715025353/http://www.heraldlive.co.za/samoan-speedster-perez-van-aswegen-boost-kings/ | archive-date=15 July 2014 | url-status=dead }}
Van Aswegen started eight matches for the Eastern Province Kings during the 2014 Currie Cup. He made his debut for his new side against his former side, Western Province, in a 16–35 defeat.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=120044 | homeid=18114 | awayid=18124 | leagueid=1784 | hometeam=Eastern Province Kings | homescore=16 | awayscore=35 | awayteam=DHL Western Province | matchdate=8 August 2014 | date=6 May 2016}} He scored his first points for them in their next match, a 19–60 defeat to the {{Rut|Golden Lions}},{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=119664 | homeid=18104 | awayid=18114 | leagueid=1784 | hometeam=Xerox Golden Lions | homescore=60 | awayscore=19 | awayteam=Eastern Province Kings | matchdate=16 August 2014 | date=6 May 2016}} and also contributed 6 points in their final match of the season, a 26–25 win over the {{Rut|Pumas}} after nine successive defeat earlier in the competition.{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=120004 | homeid=18114 | awayid=18134 | leagueid=1784 | hometeam=Eastern Province Kings | homescore=26 | awayscore=25 | awayteam=Steval Pumas | matchdate=10 October 2014 | date=6 May 2016}} He finished the season with 30 points, the second-highest by an Eastern Province Kings player behind Scott van Breda and sixteenth overall.{{SA Rugby Top Scorers | id=1784 | comp=2014 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division | date=5 May 2016}}
Van Aswegen played in three matches during the 2015 Vodacom Cup – scoring in each of those three matches for a total of 10 points – before he once again suffered a recurrence of his knee injury in their match against the {{Rut|Free State XV}}.{{cite web | url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2015/04/23/18/mgopee_32_0_873361386.html | title=Watson, CJ 'inspireer Kings se jongelinge' | work=Die Burger | date=5 January 2015 | access-date=5 January 2016 | language=af }}{{dead link|date=October 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the 2015 Vodacom Cup competition, plus the entire 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division.
=Retirement=
Despite linked with a move to Kimberley-based outfit the {{Rut|Griquas}} for the 2016, Van Aswegen announced his retirement. He suffered a series of knee injuries during his career, which saw him undergo six knee operations, prior to his retirement from rugby, which saw him take up other business interests.
=Statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%; width:90%" | |||||||||
| colspan=100% | First class career | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="width:10%;" rowspan=2 | Season
! style="width:12%;" rowspan=2 | Teams ! colspan=2 | Super Rugby ! colspan=2 | Currie Cup ! colspan=2 | Vodacom Cup ! colspan=2 | Total | |||||||||
| style="width:6%;" | Apps
! style="width:6%;" | Pts ! style="width:6%;" | Apps ! style="width:6%;" | Pts ! style="width:6%;" | Apps ! style="width:6%;" | Pts ! style="width:6%;" | Apps ! style="width:6%;" | Pts | |||||||||
| 2010 | style="text-align:left;" | {{Rut|Western Province}} | — | — | 2 | 8 | — | — | 2 | 8 |
| rowspan=2 | 2011 | style="text-align:left;" | {{Rut|Stormers}} | 3 | 12 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 12 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Western Province | — | — | 1 | 16 | 1 | 13 | 2 | 29 | |
| rowspan=2 | 2012 | style="text-align:left;" | Stormers | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Western Province | — | — | 2 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 | |
| rowspan=2 | 2013 | style="text-align:left;" | Stormers | 9 | 15 | — | — | — | — | 9 | 15 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Western Province | — | — | 4 | 22 | 3 | 27 | 7 | 49 | |
| rowspan=2 | 2014 | style="text-align:left;" | Western Province | — | — | — | — | 7 | 38 | 7 | 38 |
| style="text-align:left;" | {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}} | — | — | 8 | 30 | — | — | 8 | 30 | |
| 2015 | style="text-align:left;" | Eastern Province Kings | — | — | — | — | 3 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
| 2010–2014 || style="text-align:left;" | Western Province Total || — || — || 9 || 46 || 11 || 78 || 20 || 124 | |||||||||
| 2011–2013 || style="text-align:left;" | Stormers Total || 15 || 30 || — || — || — || — || 15 || 30 | |||||||||
| 2014–2015 || style="text-align:left;" | Eastern Province Kings Total || — || — || 8 || 30 || 3 || 10 || 11 || 40 | |||||||||
| 2010–2015 || style="text-align:left;" | Career Total || 15 || 30 || 17 || 76 || 14 || 88 || 46 || 194 |
External links
- {{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=40866 | name=Gary van Aswegen | date=30 May 2016}}
- {{cite web | url=http://www.thestormers.com/profiles.asp?id=1181 | title=Stormers profile | access-date=17 June 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712111338/http://www.thestormers.com/profiles.asp?id=1181 | archive-date=12 July 2012 | df=dmy-all }}
- {{cite web | url=http://www.itsrugby.co.uk/player_18995.html | title=It's Rugby profile | access-date=17 June 2014}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Van Aswegen, Gary}}
Category:South African rugby union players
Category:Western Province (rugby union) players
Category:Rugby union fly-halves
Category:Rugby union players from Pretoria