2020 has been tumultuous to say the least, with our very way of living being completely flipped on its head. All of us have had to deal with the new normal or living in a covid-19 world. To tick off achievements in 2020 is a tough task but to tick off your number 1 item on your bucket list is another.

This is exactly what the former Bishops 1st XI hockey coach, Ryan Julius (2013K), did in August. Having been schooled at Central Hockey club from the age of 13, Ryan has always been someone you want with you in the trenches. He puts his head down and grafts. This graft paid off with a professional hockey contract for Hoofdklasse team, Almeerse.

Ryan has represented SA hockey at indoor and outdoor at various levels and has become a fixture in the Men’s team with 41 SA outdoor caps and 16 SA indoor caps. 

The Hoofdklasse is the Dutch premier league of Hockey and to play it has been an aspiration for Ryan since travelling there in Matric on Bishops hockey tour.

On Friday 6 November, ODU Digital Community Manager, Jeremy Ryall (2014F), sat down with Ryan to find out how the move has been and what it has been like settling in a new country during a global pandemic.