Siya Ningiza on back row depth and competitive squad culture

Siya Ningiza starts in the back row for the first time this season after proving himself in training amongst a competitive squad 

Born in South Africa, Ningiza started playing rugby in the back line. In his early teen years, his coach encouraged him into the forwards. Since then, he’s focussed on the back row.

Ningiza has fought hard in training to secure his place in the matchday squad against Ampthill this weekend.

He offered his thoughts ahead of the match.

“I’m excited but also a bit nervous. This is my first start since the pre-season game we had against Chinnor which feels like a while now.

“I’ve been fighting to get a starting jersey and this week shows that my hard work is paying off.”

Ealing Trailfinders’ back row depth has strengthened due to retainment of key playmakers and new signings in the back row such as Conor Oliver and Kyle Hatherell. Ningiza spoke about the healthy competition within the squad and how other players have helped him to improve areas of his game.

“I think the biggest learning that I’ve got from the guys that have been here and the new signings as well is that consistency is key.

“Coach Ward has told me a couple of times that one week I’m training well and another week I’m off so consistency is the biggest thing I’ve learned from the new signings and other guys in the forward pack.”

Ningiza emphasised that consistency was the key area of his game that he had been working on to improve.

“I think the biggest flaw in my game has been that consistency. I want to be a more consistent player.

“I’m an emotional person so in the past, when things have gone wrong, I have switched off before. Being consistent with my mentality is something I’ve been working with other players, particularly Bobby de Wee.

“I rely a lot on teammates’ energies to lift myself up. Bobby is an emotional guy as well, but he shakes things off if they don’t always go to plan. I’m progressing towards that and thinking about moving on from things that don’t go to plan and focussing on where we can improve next.”

Ealing Trailfinders opposition this week is Ampthill who are tenth in the Champ Rugby table.

“I played against Ampthill last season,” Ningiza said. “They have a lot of Fijian players in their side, who will bring a lot of physicality to the field.

“If we don’t bring the physicality before they do, we’ll be knocked back and be on the back foot. We’ve got to bring the physicality to them.”

On the culture of healthy squad competition at Trailfinders, players are awarded with a prize for whoever gets the most dominant tackles.

“The prize creates competition amongst the loose forwards,” Ningiza said.

Born in South African, Ningiza has been in the UK for over twelve months. Whilst he initially found the wider culture change difficult, he would like a long-term future in the UK.

“When I first arrived around this time last year, it was a lot colder. It was initially a shock but you get used to it.

“Going into central London initially was very different to South Africa because it’s busier. I did get a bit of anxiety going into central but I don’t think I’m the only person that finds central London overwhelming.

“At first, I didn’t see a long-term future in the UK. But now, I would like to stay here for another four to five years. Having other South Africans at the Club who had lived in the UK for a longer time helped me. Bobby, Mike Willemse, and Kyle Whyte have been here for years and they helped me transition from life in South Africa to life in Europe.”

Whilst South Africa has eleven different languages due to its different regions and tribal histories, London is equally diverse but with people from all over the world.

“I wasn’t exposed to things like Chinese food or Nigerian food in South Africa. I wouldn’t say I go out of my way to try new things but if I see something I like on social media, I’ll give it a try.

“But the thing with TikTok is, you type something into the search bar once and then you get a lot of it on your feed. So, I’m always seeing new places to try.”