Gary Puterman

Place of birth:
Johannesburg, South Africa

Position played:
Scrum Half, Fly Half, Wing and Fullback

Summary of rugby career:

First Started Playing Where:
Highlands North Boys High School, Johannesburg, South Africa (1979) Age 12

Clubs represented and Years:
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa (1984-1992)
Santa Monica Rugby Club (1989; 1992-2002)

Territorial/National Representative Teams and years:
Transvaal U20 (1986)
South African Universities U20 (1986)
Northern Universities (South Africa) Open (1988)
South African Universities Open (1988)
Griffins (1995; 1996)
U.S.A. Eagles (1998)
Classic Eagles (1998)

No of Caps (if applicable):
None

No of International Matches (if applicable):
Portugal XV (1998)

Tours: Where, With Whom and Years:
Maccabiah Games - Israel (1985; 1989;1997; 2009)
Spain and Portugal - U.S.A. Eagles (1998)
Bermuda - Classic Eagles (1998)

Awards and Recognition:
Gold Medal - South African Maccabiah Rugby (1985 and 1989)
Gold Medal - U.S.A. Maccabiah Rugby (1997)

Impact rugby had on your life:
Rugby has for a big part defined my work ethic, sense of team
commitment, loyalty and respect. Through rugby, I have made
lifelong friends and rugby has taken me to places I would have
never gone to otherwise.

Most inspirational teammate/coach and why:
Shawn Lipman (teammate) – Shawn has guided me on and off the field since we were boys. Going into “battle” with Shawn has always given me a sense of confidence and his intensity has always inspired me. He
is not too bad at the after-party either.

What wisdom would you pass on to current players:
Watch how the best players in the world do it. Picture yourself doing
it the same way. Practice. Rugby is about achieving your maximum potential. Do not compare yourself to any other players. Strive to
constantly better yourself.

Marital Status (Spouse/Kids names):
Wife – Loren
Son – Ariel
Daughter - Jordana

Favorite quote:
Wayne Gretsky said he missed 100% of the shots he never took.

Interests:
Soccer, Politics, Religion.

Internet links to anything of interest on the web about the player: