Wales-eligible Cameron Hanekom says his coronary heart was all the time with the Springboks as he embarks on his debut tour after getting a late injury-enforced call-up. DYLAN JOHNSON experiences.
Hanekom is eligible to play for the Welsh by means of his grandmother who was born and raised in Wales, along with his brother Storm spending a season coaching with the Dragons at hooker in 2021.
Having been missed earlier this yr for the July Assessments and Rugby Championship, regardless of excellent type for the Vodacom Bulls within the URC, the 22-year-old is lastly getting his probability for the Boks as an damage alternative for Damian Willemse.
When requested in regards to the alternative to signify Wales, Hanekom made it clear the place his loyalties lie: “I have to say I’ve all the time dreamed of turning into a Springbok, I’ll carry on working as arduous as attainable to make that dream come true. I’ve by no means considered going to Wales or enjoying for them.”
Except for his wonderful type over the previous two seasons, Hanekom’s versatility can be an enormous increase for the Boks.
Bulls coach Jake White just lately hailed the unfastened ahead’s means to play throughout the again row as one among his best strengths. Snug at each No 6 and No 8, Hanekom agreed along with his franchise coach.
“Yeah, I have to say I’m versatile in terms of enjoying six, seven or eight, I don’t thoughts enjoying or have a preferable place in the mean time.
“It’s extra about simply having the ability to have the psychological change that each place performs its totally different position and doing it to the perfect of my means.”
Photograph: Lee Warren/Gallo Photographs
