Ewers has new start back home in Africa

Back on African soil, the land of his birth, this time the imposing forward wasn’t returning as a visitor, but instead ready to embark on a new chapter in his rugby career with the DHL Stormers.

Just a month ago the 33-year-old was still searching for his next outpost within the game, this after he was told in January that his stint with Ulster Rugby would be coming to an end after just one season.

By his own admission, it’s been an unnerving time for him and his young family. Unsure of what was to follow, Ewers says: “It was definitely a scary period when they told me I wasn’t going to be kept on at Ulster. I’ve not known for months what I would be doing - or even where I would be playing - so this move really came out of nowhere.

“It had been quiet for some time, but then I got the call about the move. Unfortunately, some of the back-row boys here have picked up some injuries and they were need in of cover. Having played with Steven Kitshoff last year at Ulster, he mentioned to the coaches that I didn’t have anything set up, so they gave me a ring.”

For Zimbabwean-born Ewers, the opportunity was too good to turn down and although his contract is only short-term initially, he aims to make the most of the opportunity afforded to him.

“Honestly, I can’t believe it,” he added. “It’s like serious pinch yourself vibes. I’m waking up at the moment and saying to myself ‘is this really happening?’

“Putting on the kit and stuff, it’s all very surreal and I don’t know if it’s quite hit me yet. But, I’m determined to make the most of my time here and, if it all goes well, then who knows what will happen next. For now, I’m just determined to get as fit as quickly as I can and play some good rugby for them.”

It’s all a far cry from Ewers’ formative years where he, together with his parents and sister, were forced to flee neighbouring Zimbabwe as a result of violent land reforms imposed by dictator Robert Mugabe.

The Ewers family lost their farms and decided they should come to England, joining his father’s parents who lived in the Devon town of Ivybridge.

“Without going too deep, we lost pretty much everything and I had to leave so much behind,” said Ewers. “I missed my friends and I missed Africa. I was bitter at first, but over time you just had to accept it and put it to bed, otherwise it would just eat you up.”

Thankfully, the family settled well to life in the West Country, where Ewers would study at the local Community College which, luckily for him, became an academy base for the Exeter Chiefs, who at the time had grand designs on becoming a Premiership club.

His rugby prowess was clear to see from the outset and it was not long before he was signed up by the Chiefs as an academy rookie who, over the years, matured into one of the top-fight’s most destructive back-row forwards.

Ewers was part and parcel of Exeter’s most successful years, picking up an LV= Cup medal first, quickly followed by two Premiership titles and a European Champions Cup crown. His 236 appearances and 39 tries is testament to the role he played for Rob Baxter’s team over a first team career which began on a cold and dreary night at Newport’s Rodney Parade back in 2009.

“Like with Zimbabwe, leaving Exeter was tough,” he continued. “The boys, the club, everything, all of that had become my home. For me, that will always be a special place, my UK home as such, just because of the all memories and good times it brought me.

“But, as I said, just a few weeks ago I didn’t know if I would be playing again. As a player you know your career is going to end at some point, but part of me always felt that I still had more to give. Therefore, I’m just so grateful for this latest opportunity.”

Ewers, however, is looking to the future and life after rugby, partnering up with close friend Brian McConnell to set up a new business called DE Composite, a composite decking company working on projects across the United Kingdom.

“It’s exciting to have something after rugby,” he added. “We’re still finalising a few things, but I’m actually buzzing to see what we can achieve.”

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