Chad Solomon’s rise through the ranks of South African rugby exemplifies dedication, talent, and perseverance. From his early days representing Western Province at youth level to becoming a key player for the prestigious Stormers franchise, Solomon’s career showcases the pathway many aspiring rugby players dream of following.
Early Life and Foundation
Born on February 23, 1994, in Bellville, Cape Town, Chad Solomon discovered his passion for rugby at an early age. Standing 176cm tall and weighing 101.6kg, Solomon’s physical attributes made him well-suited for the demanding hooker position, where precision, strength, and tactical awareness are paramount.
Solomon represented his local Western Province provincial union since primary school level, first making his mark at the Under-13 Craven Week tournament held in Krugersdorp in 2007. This early exposure to high-level competition laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished rugby career.
Rising Through the Youth Ranks
Solomon’s progression through South African rugby’s youth development system was methodical and impressive. He progressed through the youth ranks, playing for Western Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2010 and at the premier high schools rugby union competition in South Africa, the Under-18 Craven Week, in both 2011 and 2012, scoring a try for Western Province in their match against the Blue Bulls in the latter tournament.
His standout performances at youth level didn’t go unnoticed. He was selected in a South Africa Schools team after the 2012 Craven Week and featured in all three matches in the Under-18 International Series held between South Africa and their counterparts from France, Wales and England. This international exposure at such a young age demonstrated Solomon’s potential and marked him as a player to watch.
University Rugby and First Professional Steps
Following his school career, Solomon joined the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he became an integral part of the Ikey Tigers rugby program. His university rugby career was particularly notable during the 2014 Varsity Cup campaign. The team won five of their seven matches during the regular season to finish in second place on the log. Solomon was an unused replacement as his side beat Western Cape rivals Maties 20–8 in the semi-final. He came on for the final eight minutes of the final against NWU Pukke in Potchefstroom, where he was part of a comeback that saw UCT fight back from 33–15 down with five minutes to go to score a 39–33 victory, to win the competition for the second time.
Simultaneously, Solomon was making his mark in professional rugby. In between playing Varsity Cup rugby, Solomon also made two appearances for Western Province in the 2014 Vodacom Cup; he came on as a replacement in against their defeat to the Sharks XV to make his first class debut and against the Border Bulldogs a fortnight later.
Establishing Himself in Professional Rugby
The 2015 season saw Solomon establish himself as a key player across multiple competitions. He was the undisputed first choice hooker for UCT Ikey Tigers as they attempted to defend their title in the 2015 Varsity Cup; he started all seven of their matches during the regular season, scoring a try against the CUT Ixias in a 90–8 win as UCT finished in third spot to qualify for the play-offs. At the conclusion of the competition, Solomon was included in a Varsity Cup Dream Team that played in a match against the South Africa Under-20 team.
Career Peak and Try-Scoring Prowess
Solomon’s breakthrough season came in 2016 when he truly announced himself on the professional stage. Solomon returned to first class rugby action in 2016, playing for Western Province in the 2016 Currie Cup qualification series. He made ten starts and three appearances off the bench in Western Province’s fourteen matches, of which they won thirteen to top the log. Solomon had his most proficient try-scoring season of his career, scoring no less than six tries, against Griquas the Griffons, the Falcons, the SWD Eagles, the Boland Cavaliers and the Border Bulldogs, to finish as Western Province’s joint-top try scorer with winger Khanyo Ngcukana.
This exceptional try-scoring record for a hooker demonstrated Solomon’s attacking instincts and ability to contribute beyond the traditional set-piece responsibilities of his position. Solomon was included in Western Province’s Currie Cup squad for the 2016 Currie Cup Premier Division and named on the bench for their opening match of the season against the Blue Bulls. He made his Currie Cup debut by coming on for the final 25 minutes of a 26–45 defeat.
Current Status and Legacy
Today, Chad Solomon is a South African rugby union player for the Stormers in Super Rugby and Western Province in the Currie Cup. His journey from a young player at the Under-13 Craven Week to a professional rugby player competing at the highest levels of South African rugby represents the ideal pathway for aspiring players.
Solomon’s career highlights the importance of consistent development through established rugby structures, from school-level competition through university rugby to professional franchises. His versatility as a try-scoring hooker and his longevity in the game make him a valuable asset to any team he represents.
As he continues his professional career with the Stormers and Western Province, Chad Solomon remains a testament to the strength of South African rugby’s development systems and the rewards that come from dedication, talent, and perseverance in one of the world’s most competitive rugby environments.
