A Balancing Act: The Journey of Boland’s Darian Hock

Darian Hock juggles multiple roles with impressive dedication. As a semi-professional rugby player for Boland Rugby and an attorney at Faure & Faure Inc, he manages a demanding career while being a father of two and husband to local influencer Rasheeqah Karriem-Hock. His journey is shaped by resilience and gratitude, with a deep passion for rugby being just one of the driving forces behind everything he does. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of balancing his responsibilities in sports, career and family life.

Rugby and career: Finding time for passion

Balancing a full-time career in law while pursuing rugby part-time, isn’t easy. Darian credits much of his success to his wife, Rasheeqah, for keeping things running smoothly at home. “I don’t think I’ll be able to manage without my wife. She is the backbone who runs proceedings at home with the kids,” he says. For Darian, being a father and husband always comes first and he ensures he maximises his time with his family amidst his other responsibilities.

Despite his demanding schedule, he remains passionate about rugby, a sport he’s played throughout his studies and legal career. His big break in rugby came in 2022, thanks to Coach Franzel September. “I knew it was going to be no easy feat, but an opportunity to represent the union [Boland] I grew up watching as a child, only comes once,” he recalls.

A day in the Life: Juggling it all

Darian’s typical day starts early, leaving the house at 06:30 to attend court appearances before returning to the office. Depending on his schedule, he fits in gym sessions during lunch or attends afternoon team training. “After work, I rush to training and when I get home, I make sure I spend time with my eldest daughter before she goes to bed,” he shares. Even with such a hectic routine, Darian makes it a priority to be present for his family, carving out moments to connect with his children after a long day.

The grit of rugby: Memorable moments

One of Darian’s proudest moments on the rugby field came during Boland Rugby’s Currie Cup First Division championship win. “Seeing my daughter run onto the field after the game was a day I’ve dreamt about for quite some time,” he fondly recalls. The final, which ended with scores tied after extra time, was a nail-biting experience. “My teammates and coaching staff deserve their flowers for the grit they showed throughout the season,” says Darian, clearly proud of the team’s hard-earned victory.

Family support: A team effort

Behind every successful man is a strong support system and for Darian, his family is that rock. “If it wasn’t for the kids, my wife would travel to every away game,” he laughs. Despite the demands of raising two young daughters, Rasheeqah never misses a home game. The arrival of their second daughter has certainly changed their family dynamics, but Darian wouldn’t have it any other way. “Two under two has been a rollercoaster!” he jokes, yet his love for his family is evident as he speaks about the bond between his daughters.

Life in the spotlight: Collaborating with Rasheeqah

Being married to a content creator means Darian sometimes finds himself in front of the camera, even if he doesn’t always volunteer for the role. “I’m told, ‘this is what you’re wearing, and this is what you have to say,’” he shares with a chuckle. Despite his lighthearted complaints, he clearly enjoys collaborating with his wife on her projects, supporting her growing influence while balancing his own professional and athletic ambitions.

Personal insights: Staying motivated and grounded

Darian’s motivation stems from his family, whom he credits as the reason he wakes up ready to grind. “My family is the reason I push myself to excel,” he says. On weekends, Darian and Rasheeqah make time for family activities, taking their daughters to places with animals — one of the children’s favorite pastimes.

As for his future, Darian has big aspirations in both his legal career and rugby. “I aspire to sit on the bench as a magistrate or judge one day,” he shares. On the rugby side, Darian’s sights are set on earning a United Rugby Championship (URC) cap — something his wife has humorously promised will allow him to frame his jersey at home.

Advice: Balancing roles and giving back

Darian has learned a valuable lesson through balancing his career, rugby and family life: time is a precious commodity. “Focus on the task at hand and don’t dwell too long on any one thing,” he advises. Life moves fast, and Darian emphasises the importance of keeping up with the demands of each role without losing sight of what truly matters.

Through his platform, he hopes to inspire young athletes and professionals alike, showing that it’s possible to turn dreams into reality. “People forget words, but they remember actions. I try to show that it’s possible to make your aspirations come true.”

In a life full of challenges, Darian Hock continues to shine both on and off the field, proving that with a strong support system, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible.

Quick-fire Questions

Q&A:

What are three things you never leave the house without?  

Cellphone, tog bag, something sweet for the day.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be? 

Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian lawyer, known for so many reasons.

If you could choose any other sport besides rugby to play professionally, what would it be? 

Golf, but in all honesty, it takes a lot of balls to golf the way I do.

One piece of advice you wish your children will always remember?  

Always maintain your integrity.