Jeremy wanted to come to Stellenbosch but ended up at Rhodes. I had heard so much about students who eventually never pitched up that I didn't take much notice.

Yet one day he appeared at Stellenbosch. I was not at all sure whether it was too late to make something of his rugby talent. He had already played for Eastern Province at a tender age but fortunately he had matriculated early and was still a relative youngster.

He and Pat Montini played together as a centre pair and the one's play complemented the other.

Jeremy Nel was a star centre; one you could always rely on and very much a steadying influence in any backline. Unfortunately South Africa never saw Jeremy Nel at his best. He was certainly one of the best players in the 1956 team in New Zealand.