It was a big day for the Moodie family in Cape Town last weekend.
Not only did Canan Moodie earn his 50th cap for the Bulls in the 33-32 United Rugby Championship win over the Stormers, but his family were also able to celebrate the occasion with him.
“Very special day. Obviously a full-circle moment – that’s where I played my first professional game for the Bulls, my debut in the Currie Cup,” the Springbok wing, who hails from Paarl, said this week.
“To get 50 up in Cape Town was very special. To have my whole family there, some friends to support me was very, very special.
“Just to get 50 caps for the Bulls, a very prestigious club. So, very happy about that, and the most important thing was getting the win.
“We just had a bit of a dinner afterwards. It was just very special to have my parents there as they came onto the field – and it was also their first experience of coming onto the field, seeing all this, and their son being a professional rugby player and getting his 50th cap for the Bulls.”
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Moodie has already enjoyed a stellar career in his three years of professional rugby, including becoming a Rugby World Cup winner in 2023.
On reflection, he sometimes finds it hard to believe it all.
“In the week, I saw somebody posted a thing about my three years as a professional, and all that I’ve achieved,” the 22-year-old said.
“I was a bit shocked... Not shocked, but I was a bit taken aback. I was like, this is what has happened in my three years playing professional (rugby). Obviously grateful for everything that’s happened in my life.
“It’s been a whirlwind, from making my debut in January in Cape Town at just 19 years old, and a week later, URC, and later in the year, the Springboks.
“So, it’s been a whirlwind and crazy three years. Very blessed with everything that happened, and hopefully much more to come.”
Moodie will next be in action for the Bulls in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Lions at Ellis Park (2.30pm kick-off).