Shute Shield grand final: Just playing a win for new Waratah Zac Von Appen, Sydney Uni v Gordon

This rugby gun almost quit the game due to mental health issues. Now he’s been part of a Shute Shield winning side and just signed a professional contract.

Happy days for Sydney Uni after their Shute Shield grand final win. Pic: Karen Watson.

Three years ago at one of his lowest moments, former Australian junior and U23 rower turned rugby player Zac Von Appen was asked to write a list of five things he would like to do in the future.

Five goals, written on a piece of paper while in hospital, he could set himself going forward.

“When you are incredibly depressed it’s hard to think about things like that,’’ said the Sydney University rugby player who played in Saturday’s Shute Shield grand final won by the Students over Gordon.

“But my first one was to play first grade for Sydney University.’’

Von Appen, who has struggled with his mental health for years and required specialist medical attention at times, including hospital stays, is in a happier place now.

SHUTE SHIELD GRAND FINAL STARS, STANDOUTS

Young rugby player Zac Von Appen. Pic: AJF Photography

The 25-year-old carpenter, who grew up on the northern beaches, works on the north shore and eastern suburbs and now lives at Randwick, has turned plenty of heads in this season’s Shute Shield and last week the Waratahs revealed he has joined the side on a wider training squad contract.

But he’s never forgotten what it has taken to just get back out on the field, let along be involved in a Shute Shield grand final campaign.

"It is something that gives me motivation, in the 60th minute I think back to when things were harder,’’ he said.

“Just being back playing is a win.’’

Zac Von Appen celebrating with teammates.

Zac Von Appen is playing in his first Shute Shield grand final. Pic: Karen Watson.

Von Appen’s journey back to rugby, a sport he played at school at St Augustine’s College, came after a doctor told him he could no longer row due to bulging discs and a stress fracture in his back.

“When a sport doctor ruled me out for rowing the first question was ‘can I put the boots back on’,’’ said Von Appen, who returned to rugby in 2020 and who chose to speak about his mental health battle in the hope others won’t feel “so alone’’ after hearing his story.

Young rugby player Zac Von Appen. Pic: AJF Photography

“I know if I’d known someone older than me, who I could relate to, it would have made it a lot easier to talk about.

“Things have been fantastic and very stable for a number of months. I’m enjoying being happy. I’m under monitoring now and feel balanced and in a great space.

“Rugby really helps me. It gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. For someone who is feeling prone to being lonely, it helps put the pieces together.’’

Sydney Uni celebrations after their big win at Leichhardt Oval.

NSW WARATAHS LATEST SIGNINGS

The Waratahs have added new faces to their second-row stocks with Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, and Zane Marolt signed for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Seu played with the Chiefs and made his Super Rugby debut in 2016 before moving to japan to play with Toyota Industries Shuttles.

Von Appen joins the Waratahs on a wider training squad contract and is the son of two Olympic kayakers and a former rower himself.

“To be able to join the program on a full-time basis and dedicate myself to the team I’ve supported since I was a kid is incredibly special to myself and my family. I cannot wait to get stuck in,” he said.

Marolt, is a product of St Edmonds College and currently plays his club rugby for Queanbeyan Whites.

The 22-year-old lock is also wider training contract after spending the past four years in the Brumbies Academy.

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