The matric boy from Grey College in Bloemfontein, Christiaan van der Westhuizen, is training with the Toyota Cheetahs ahead of their tour to Italy next week for their opening round game against Zebre in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Van der Westhuizen is busy completing his schooling at the famous rugby factory and still has two more exam papers to write.

The Free State Craven Week and South African Schools scrumhalf has a junior contract with the Cheetahs for next year, but is training with the senior team as the halfback department is a little thin at the moment.

Rewan Kruger is currently in Wales where he is playing for the Ospreys on a loan deal, while Raegan Oranje is out for up to six weeks with a knee injury. Last week, the Shimlas scrumhalf Smiley Nel started training and scored a try in the warm-up game against the Lions XV in Johannesburg.

Kruger, who is also an alumnus of Grey, is expected to link up with the Cheetahs in Italy, provided he doesn't get injured in Wales.

The versatile Juan-Dee Oliver is still training with the Cheetahs as a free agent before he heads over to the USA to further his career. Oliver carries an Italian passport and will be flown to Italy if push comes to shove.

Christiaan van der Westhuizen representing the South Africa Schools team earlier in the year - supplied

While Van der Westhuizen has been training with the Cheetahs for more than a week, it is still very early for the teenager, but he may just get game time if the need arises. He certainly looked the part in training.

At this time of the year most youngsters head off to the coast with their friends for their eagerly anticipated matric holidays.

Van der Westhuizen told OFM Sport that living his dream is a lot more important than the upcoming matric holidays and it’s a sacrifice he is willing to make.

“It's really a dream come true and I didn't think that my year would end like this,” said the teenager.

“I'm very glad it did and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in the future.

“This is much bigger than a week-long vacation with my friends - I'm building towards my future here. There is no disappointment at all, I'm just happy to be here.

“Never would I have thought that at this stage of my life I would be here and training with the Cheetahs. Having said that, I know there is still a lot of work to be done, but I'm only just getting started!”

Van der Westhuizen is planning on studying Sport Science at the University of the Free State next year.

It is highly unlikely that Van der Westhuizen will be boarding the flight to Parma next week, however it’s a massive opportunity for the teenager and big step towards his dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport