POSITION:
Lock / Flank
CLUB TEAM:
Benetton (Italy)
HOMETOWN:
Paarl
DOB:
February 20, 2007
CATEGORY:
Youth
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Born 20 February 2007 in Paarl, Western Cape, Gershom Pieters (lock, No. 4) grew up in rugby heartland, playing since age 7 at A-team level. Son of Willem Pieters (Paarl Gim 1st XV forward) and Hayley Pieters, with Italian heritage via maternal grandmother Antonella Wright (born Italy)—granting him an Italian passport.
At Paarl Boys' High School (Boishaai), Gershom exploded in 2025 1st XV: 15 tries (phenomenal for a lock!), key in dramatic 35-33 Interschools win over rivals Paarl Gim—his "dream year" as underdogs triumphed. Standout displays: MOTM Noord-Suid Day 1; powered tries vs Affies, Durbanville.
Youth Representative Honours in 2025 include:
-FNB Craven Week (WP XV): Unbeaten campaign; 2 tries vs Blue Bulls (Day 5 rout); NextGenXV Team of Round 2.
-NMI Toyota North/South: Team of the Tournament (Lock)—"Commanding & relentless set-piece backbone".
-Wildeklawer Festival: Nominated TOT.
Missed SA Schools cut (WP had 20 reps), but performances turned heads.
Professional Pathway: Benetton Trek July 2025: Signed 3-year senior contract with Benetton Rugby (URC, Italy "Lucrative deal I couldn't refuse"—heads to Treviso for pro debut, Europe travel, Italian lessons/studies. Azzurri dream via passport; could face Springboks!
At 18 (Oct 2025), Gershom's physicality, leadership, finishing mark him as elite junior lock. URC bow could be soon—watch Italy's next star rise!
At Paarl Boys' High School (Boishaai), Gershom exploded in 2025 1st XV: 15 tries (phenomenal for a lock!), key in dramatic 35-33 Interschools win over rivals Paarl Gim—his "dream year" as underdogs triumphed. Standout displays: MOTM Noord-Suid Day 1; powered tries vs Affies, Durbanville.
Youth Representative Honours in 2025 include:
-FNB Craven Week (WP XV): Unbeaten campaign; 2 tries vs Blue Bulls (Day 5 rout); NextGenXV Team of Round 2.
-NMI Toyota North/South: Team of the Tournament (Lock)—"Commanding & relentless set-piece backbone".
-Wildeklawer Festival: Nominated TOT.
Missed SA Schools cut (WP had 20 reps), but performances turned heads.
Professional Pathway: Benetton Trek July 2025: Signed 3-year senior contract with Benetton Rugby (URC, Italy "Lucrative deal I couldn't refuse"—heads to Treviso for pro debut, Europe travel, Italian lessons/studies. Azzurri dream via passport; could face Springboks!
At 18 (Oct 2025), Gershom's physicality, leadership, finishing mark him as elite junior lock. URC bow could be soon—watch Italy's next star rise!
