Kurt-Lee Arendse enjoys nothing more than proving all those people who told him he was too small to play rugby wrong.

The diminutive 26-year-old, who is 5-foot-9 and 11 stone 13 in pounds (167 pounds) is one of the most talked about players in the world game right now, following his try-scoring exploits for the Springboks in the autumn internationals, culminating in his superb finish during last weekend's victory over England at Twickenham.

Now, he is back on BKT United Rugby Championship duty, having been named at full-back by the Vodacom Bulls for Saturday's encounter with in-form Cardiff Rugby at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld.

Hailing from the Western Cape of South Africa, Arendse found his size often was held against him as he looked to make his way in the game.

Asked whether people told him he was too small to play the sport when he was younger, he said: "I've heard that a lot, but I don't listen to negative comments. I just focus on what I want to achieve.

"We small players like to be underestimated, but at the same time, we like to prove people wrong. Whenever we get the opportunity, we look to do that."

As for his mindset when he comes up against players who are much larger than him physically, he has the perfect riposte.

"Obviously guys are bigger, but they move really slow," Arendse said. "They have their weaknesses, so you look to capitalize on those."

One concession he does make in terms of the size of opponents is wearing a scrum-cap, which is becoming something of a trademark of his.

"It's just for safety because guys are bigger than me," he said. "It gives me more confidence in tackles."

In terms of a role model when he was growing up, he names former DHL Stormers back-three man Gio Aplon, who won 17 caps for the Springboks around a decade ago.

"He was also small and underestimated, but he kept on proving people wrong," Arendse said. "He was one of the guys I looked up to, and I was fortunate to play with him at the Vodacom Bulls towards the end of his career, which was nice."

Starting out in age-grade rugby with Western Province and Boland, Arendse first made his mark in Sevens, initially for the University of Western Cape and then with the Blitzboks.

He was a regular fixture with the South African Sevens team for a couple of years, but with the World Series being put on hold due to COVID-19, he switched to the 15-a-side game by joining the Vodacom Bulls in 2020, going on to make an immediate impression with his speed and elusive running.

Last season, he made more clean breaks (24) than any other player in the BKT URC and was fourth in terms of defenders beaten (43), while he also showed his predatory prowess by scoring seven tries.

That fine form was rewarded this summer when he made his test debut against Wales in Bloemfontein. He is up to seven caps and seven tries, having lit up the international arena with his finishing over the past few months.

Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie will be unleashed on the same field tomorrow 🔥 Come and watch them RIP IT UP, LIVE! 💪

🎟 Tickets from just R25, HERE: https://t.co/quBJgrazVC#TrueToTheBlue @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/MTJvEDZ7P7

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) December 2, 2022

There were touchdowns against New Zealand and Argentina in the Rugby Championship, and this autumn, he has crossed the whitewash versus Ireland, France, Italy (twice) and England,  with the last of those seeing him scorch outside Marcus Smith.

On that Twickenham sizzler, he said: "It was a special moment for me to score that try for my team. All that really went through my mind was just to dot the ball down. That was it. It was nice to contribute to my team.

"It's been my first season for the Springboks, and there have been ups and downs, but I am grateful for the opportunity I have had. I am just happy.

"We enjoy each other's company, and we have a great leader in Siya Kolisi, who knows the game well. It's just great to have the opportunity to play for your country. For me, it's about focusing on each game, being in the moment and not thinking too far ahead."

Now, it's back to the Vodacom Bulls, who lie third in the BKT URC and will be looking to go one better than last season, having lost to the DHL Stormers in the final during the inaugural year of the 16-team competition.

"We had a slow start in the BKT URC last year and took a few shots, but we analyzed the games and did well after the first couple of rounds," Arendse said.

He returns to the fold for a meeting with Cardiff, which pulled off a startling 35-0 bonus-point victory over the Cell C Sharks last Sunday in Durban.

"It was tough for the Sharks," Arendse declared. "We will try not to lose against Cardiff." 

Then, it's on to the Heineken Champions Cup, with the Vodacom Bulls facing Lyon and Exeter in the group stage, as they embark on their first European campaign.

"It's going to be a good competition and we are really looking forward to it," Arendse said. "We can only learn from playing in the Champions Cup. It will be good for us in South Africa. We are definitely here to compete. I think people in Pretoria will come out in numbers for the games. It's an exciting time for rugby."

It's certainly an exciting time for Arendse, who is confirming the old adage that rugby really is a game for all sizes.