When did you play for Northern Transvaal?
I made my debut in 1965 and my last game was in 1979.

How many matches did you play in your illustrious career?
I represented Northern Transvaal in 168 matches and captained the team on 84 occasions.
*Only Louis Moolman (171), Naas Botha (179) and Burger Geldenhuys (184) have played in more matches than Lourens.

What position did you play?
I was used mostly as a flank and sometimes, when they had no one else I played at number 8.

In how many Currie Cup finals did you play?
I’ve played in eight of which we won seven. Unfortunately we drew 14-all against Transvaal at Ellis Park in 1971.

What was the highlight of your career?
There were many, but what stands out was my first match in 1965. We played against Western Transvaal in Potchefstroom at Olen Park and I must add that my first Currie Cup final was also very special. In those years playing international rugby was uncommon and therefore it was a huge privilege to play against France in 1967.

Do you enjoy the modern game?
Yes, for sure. The modern game surely is a lot faster, but I think the laws are there to make rugby a bit more supporter friendly.

What do you make of the Vodacom Bulls’ campaign thus far?
They are doing very well and I think we can go all the way. We are definitely starting to peak at the right time.

Will we be able to beat the Sharks in Durban in our last league match?
Yes. The players are getting paid to win and if you want to be the champion you need to play against and beat any team anywhere.

Can we win the Super 14 in 2009?
We have the team to do it. The Bulls are a vastly experienced unit and a lot of our players have been involved in the play offs of the World Cup, Super 14 and Currie Cup tournaments. We know what it is about and we can handle the pressure.

Are you still involved with rugby?
Just as a spectator and supporter.

Do you still attend matches at Loftus?
Definitely – provided that the weather is okay. My two grandkids Danel and Analise, who are 19 and 16, love going to Loftus and they are always encouraging me to take them there. I’m not sure whether they are there to watch rugby or to check out the boys, but we all enjoy it very much when we are there.

*The Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd would like to use this opportunity to congratulate Thys on his 66th birthday on 15 May. He has been one of the Union’s stalwarts for more than a decade and his massive contribution will be in the annals of Blue Bulls rugby forever.



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