By Aaron Wilson
It’s a special time for Houston SaberCats veteran Marno Redelinghuys.
He’s a new father. Specifically, a girl dad after his wife gave birth to their first child last week.
“My wife went into labor this past Wednesday,” Redelinghuys said. “I’m a girl dad. Very happy about it. I took a little bit of time off to be with family. I was lucky. It’s a big week. I’m looking forward to it.”
The daughter’s name is Klara Jane.
Redelinghuys returned for the SaberCats’ final two regular-season matches.
Now, he’s prepping for the playoffs for the second-seeded Western Conference division runner-ups.
The SaberCats, back in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, went 0-3 in their last three playoff games.
They host Los Angeles next Sunday night at Houston SaberCats Stadium. Tickets are still available.
“It’s going to take everything,” Redelinghuys said. “Getting that 1 percent better and doing all of the small stuff as good as you can, it’s gonna matter in these type of games. I feel like the playoffs is just for the hungry. The team that’s more hungry is probably going to walk away with the win.”
The SaberCats won their final match of the regular season at home in front of a sold-out crowd.
“It’s amazing,” Redelinghuys said. “If you look at this crowd here, it’s just massive energy towards the team. It lifts the guys’ spirit. I look forward to this playoff and hopefully these guys can be here to support us and enjoy.”
Growing up in South Africa, Redelinghuys didn’t necessarily envision how his rugby career would unfold.
The twisting journey from Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom to North-West University to Stellenbosch University, the Varsity Cup, Western Province and the Currie Cup and Rugby Challenge all set the stage for where Redelinghuys is today.
Redelinghuys, 32, earned his 50th Cap in Major League Rugby last year.
Known as “Marries,” the 6-foot-5, 255-pound back row-lock is in his fourth season with the SaberCats and his sixth season overall in Major League Rugby.
“It’s a massive privilege,” Redelinghuys said. “Being in the league for this long, it’s always an honor. And it’s a big honor to play in a SaberCats jersey.”
The former Hoërskool Schoonspruit student first began playing rugby with the Leopards in his native South Africa.
“Rugby is a strange game,” Redelinghuys said. “It takes you to a lot of places. You meet a lot of people along the way. Unexpected opportunities always arise. I’ve played in multiple championship games.“I’ve been lucky enough to win two championships. I haven’t gotten a taste of a Major League Rugby shield yet. I’m very hungry and eager to get that accomplishment done.”
Living in Houston has been a joy for Redelinghuys, who has adapted to the American lifestyle. Whether it’s the cuisine, the friendly atmosphere or music scene, Redelinghuys is soaking it all up.
“People always ask me that question about Houston,” Redelinghuys said. “Something that’s really stood out to me about this place is the cowboy lifestyle. I feel like I almost fit right in. We’re all trying to be a part of the vibe. Houston is a great city. I think people underestimate the city. It’s very diverse. The food is always great. There’s a lot of great culture, too.”
The goal has always been crystal-clear: winning a championship.
Redelinghuys is enjoying the hunt for the shield.
“At the end of the day, we’re an entire squad of players and all the coaches, staff and management,” Redelinghuys said. “Everybody buys in and is really committed to win this championship. It’s a very positive vibe at work.”
