VIDEO: The Kiwi who won't let go of his South African roots
His grandfather is a Springbok, but he has represented New Zealand at age group level.
Jordi Viljoen readily admits he supports both the Springboks and All Blacks.
He spoke before the Rugby Championship Round Three encounter, when South Africa hosts New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg next Saturday.
Born in Pretoria, the 20-year-old is a naturalised New Zealander who plays for the Hurricanes and Manawatu.
The scrumhalf relocated to New Zealand as a child.
The son of former Stormers player Joggie Viljoen (Jnr) and grandson of Springbok Joggie Viljoen (Snr), he attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Hasting Boys High School.
Jordi Viljoen was selected for New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under-20.
He represented Manawatu in the National Provincial Championship. He was called into the Hurricanes squad ahead of Round One of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, making his debut against the Western Force.
However, his South African roots run deep, too deep to give up his loyalty to the Boks.
(WATCH as Pretoria-born Jordi Viljoen explains why he will have ‘divided loyalties’ when South Africa plays New Zealand next Saturday….)
“I love both countries,” young Viljoen said.
“I am here and super grateful for New Zealand,” he said, adding: “We love the teams [Springboks and All Blacks] go head to head.
“You can’t get a bigger game in the world.
“I love both teams. Both teams are home for me.”
He said the different playing styles of the two teams.
“I love watching the boys that I know personally,” he said of the New Zealanders, adding: “I love watching them succeed.”
@rugby365com
One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup!
With exactly one year to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 kicks off in Sunderland, excitement is sweeping across the host nation in anticipation of what will be the biggest and most accessible celebration of women’s rugby ever. Register now for the ticket presale.
