Tertius Kruger
Tertius Kruger (born 9 August 1993) is a South African professional rugby union player for theSouthern Kings in the Pro14.[1] His regular position is centre. CareerSWD EaglesKruger was involved in provincial rugby since primary school level, representing the SWD Eagles at the Under-13 Craven Week competition in 2006. He was also selected to represent the SWD Eagles at Under-16 level, playing at the Grant Khomo Week in 2009, and at Under-18 level, playing at South Africa's premier high school rugby union tournament, the Craven Week, in 2011. Free State / UFS ShimlasAfter high school, Kruger moved to Bloemfontein to join the Free State Cheetahs. He made seven starts for the Free State U19 team during the 2012 Under-19 Provincial Championship, scoring tries in their matches against the Leopards U19[2] and the Golden Lions U19.[3] Free State lost out on a semi-final spot in the competition, however, finishing in sixth spot. In 2013, he made the step up to Under-21 level and played in ten of the Free State U21 team's matches during the 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship. He again scored two tries – against eventual champions Western Province U21 in an 18–16 victory in the opening match of their season[4] and against Sharks U21[5] – as his side once again missed out on the semi-finals by finishing fifth. Kruger started the 2014 season by representing university side UFS Shimlas in the 2014 Varsity Cup. He made four appearances and scored against UJ in a 52–13 win[6] as UFS Shimlas finished the competition in fifth spot. He started nine matches for Free State U21 in the 2014 Under-21 Provincial Championship and scored tries against Western Province U21[7] and in both of their matches against the Leopards.[8][9] His side finished fourth to qualify for the semi-final, where they were beaten by Western Province.[10] Kruger started seven of the UFS Shimlas' matches during the 2015 Varsity Cup competition, helping Shimlas finish top of the log and qualify for a home semi-final. He featured in their semi-final match against two-time champions UCT Ikey Tigers where Shimlas secured a 21–10 victory[11] to help them qualify for their first ever final. He also started the final against the NWU Pukke as Shimlas ran out comfortable 63–33 winners[12] to win their first ever Varsity Cup title. Free State CheetahsKruger was included in the Free State Cheetahs senior squad for the first time for the 2015 Currie Cup Premier Division[13] and was initially named on the bench for their Round Two match against Western Province,[14] but subsequently replaced by loose-forward Tienie Burger.[15] He was again named on the bench for their Round Four match against the same opposition, but failed to make an appearance.[16] He eventually made his first class debut on 19 September 2015 as he played off the bench in the Free State Cheetahs' 44–24 victory over Griquas.[17] He made his first start a week later in their 31–73 defeat to the Golden Lions.[18] Southern KingsKruger moved to Port Elizabeth to join the Southern Kings after the 2018 Currie Cup Premier Division.[19] Personal lifeKruger is the younger brother of number eight De Wet Kruger. They both played for the Free State Cheetahs in the 2015 Currie Cup; Tertius made his first class debut one week before De Wet and the two brothers featured in a match together when De Wet made his debut in their defeat to the Golden Lions.[18] References
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