Hoerskool Menlo Park's teenage sensation Dylan Stumke has stunned the rugby world with his remarkable long-range kicking and has been left star-struck at the praise received from several sporting greats such as Beauden Barrett and Kevin Pietersen.
Stumke has become an overnight sensation after an unbelievable video capturing him successfully converting a penalty kick from deep inside his own half has gone viral across social media.
The grade 10 learner showed excellent temperament as he pulled off the magnificent feat during a high-stakes North-West University (NWU) Sport Series final.
Stumke’s clutch conversion helped the Pretoria-based school claim a narrow 17-16 win against Kempton Park High.
The viral clip has gone on to draw special praise from some of the biggest names in sport and rugby, including All Blacks great, Beauden Barrett alongside Pietermaritzburg-born cricket legend Kevin Pietersen.
This might be the best goal kick I’ve ever seen on a rugby field.
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) April 23, 2024
Is it real???!
cc @beaudenbarrett how’s this? https://t.co/jPfaVTYxo3
“This might be the best goal kick I’ve ever seen on a rugby field. Is it real???! (sic)” Pietersen posted on X, formerly Twitter.
World Cup-winning flyhalf, Barrett broke his two-year tweet hiatus to share his own praise in agreement with Pietersen.
“Incredible kick – whether it’s at altitude or not… Someone should use a rangefinder to get the number. Probably a full lob wedge?” wrote Barrett.
Incredible kick @KP24 - whether it’s at altitude or not.. Someone should use a range finder get the number. Probably a full lob wedge? ⛳️ https://t.co/DYGjq7oqFJ
— Beauden Barrett (@beaudenbarrett) April 24, 2024
Stumke’s high school coach, Royes Auret said the youngster is understandably chuffed by the praise received.
“He is just a 16-year-old boy, he is star-struck and still can’t believe what has happened after that kick,” Auret told Hollywoodbets Sports in an exclusive chat.
“He is grateful and he knows he has got a lot of work still to do.
“We were speaking with the other guys, and they were asking him the same question. He said ‘he is very proud, humbled and very privileged to be seen on this stage.’
“This is a massive experience for him and he is still star-struck. He couldn’t believe it could happen to him this early.”
Full Dylan Stumke highlights including his drop goal. pic.twitter.com/8tCLEBn0bp
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) April 24, 2024
Auret revealed the budding star also converted an equally impressive long-range drop goal during the same match and that the youngster works hard to perfect his kicking game.
“To be honest, he has got a big boot and he practices a lot but the drop goal was a bit of a surprise,” Auret added.
“We call it a milkshake (because) he had missed the first kick, it was probably about 65 metres, and then he got the ball again, I told him ‘Ah don’t be shy, go for the milkshake.’
“He started smiling and I could see he’s got the confidence and that’s when he slotted over the drop goal.
“I knew he had the distance for the penalty he took from the corner, I just hoped for the direction.
“And it was the final and we had to take our chances, we bet on him and he slotted in that penalty. We couldn’t be happier for Dylan and more proud of the little man.”
The youngster’s ultimate dream is to become a Springbok and his coach hopes the newly-found attention will aid in fast-tracking Stumke’s journey to the professional circuit.
“He will pursue rugby after school,” Auret said.
“That’s what he sleeps, dreams and lives for. That’s what he practices for. Everybody knows him for that and I’m confident he will make it. He is exceptional and he works hard as well. I hope this makes his pathway a bit better.”
Image courtesy of Team Photo South Africa.
