Earthblog

Kyle Peyper – Kendal's new fly half

 A pen portrait

Kendal's new young South African fly half has just received his visa, and will arrive at Mint Bridge on 17^th August, 2010. This brings to a successful conclusion a correspondence which started in January of this year, when Kyle wrote to the club asking were we interested in giving him a trial. When he enclosed his CV, we had no hesitation in inviting him to join the club, but it has been a long haul! He has obtained an ancestry visa, through his mother who is English, and it is valid for five years, but it took a long time to come through. It is now more difficult than ever for overseas players to gain their visas.

Kyle, who hails from Johannesburg, is a young 22 year old, standing 6' feet tall, and weighing 12 ½ stone. He is an accomplished goalkicker with a 80-85% record, and is renowned for his kicking in open play, using either foot to command field position. Kyle has already kicked 4 drop goals this South African season. In the words of his coach, Lance Starkey, at Union Bulldogs, “Kyle is a natural fly half, who has something special to offer”.

He is also strong in defence, and has recently been selected to play for Guateng Lions, a representative side in the large Jo'burg area, but as he said in his most recent email, “I got some good news at training tonight - I made the Lions senior provincial team this year again, and I've got training tomorrow night, but I have to break the news to them. I can't play, because I'm going to greener pastures! Ha ha ha! I can't wait to finally see you and meet everyone.”

With enthusiasm like that, Kyle deserves to succeed at his new club, and I'm sure he will receive an excellent Cumbrian welcome from the loyal Black & Amber supporters.

He will be available for the second pre-season friendly on 21^st August, 2010.