'Forward playing in the backline’: Hooker open to hybrid Bok role
“I’ve always described myself as a bit of a forward playing in the backline.”
That was the exact phrase used by Ethan Hooker when asked about his prospects of following in the footsteps of Springbok hybrid Andre Esterhuizen.
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The 23-year-old, who can play wing and centre, has been incredible since he burst onto the international scene in 2025.
He made his debut in July last year, coming off the bench in the 45-0 victory over Italy in Gqeberha.
He later scored his first Test try in the 32-14 win over Italy in Turin.
He was also impressive coming off the bench against the All Blacks at Eden Park before starting on the wing a week later in a record victory in Wellington.
His performances in 2025 earned him a nomination for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award, which was won by New Zealand’s Fabian Holland.
Hooker did, however, walk away with the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, beating the likes of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, Haashim Pead and Zachary Porthen.
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“I’m super privileged,” Hooker told reporters at the prestigious SA Rugby Awards in Cape Town.
“I want to say thank you to all the coaching staff, management, and all the players that I had alongside me. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
Hooker, who now has six Test caps and is comfortable at both wing and centre, said he would not mind taking on a hybrid role similar to Esterhuizen if required.
The 31-year-old World Cup winner has impressed operating at both centre and flanker under Rassie Erasmus, becoming something of a blueprint for hybrid athletes in the Bok set-up.
Given their similar physical profiles, Hooker could well be the next player considered for such a role.
“I don’t have any preferences,” Hooker said.
“I play wherever the coach needs me, wherever the team needs me.
“At the end of the day, if they want me to play there, I’m more than happy to play there. I’ve always described myself as a bit of a forward playing in the backline. I like the dirty work.
“I’m more than keen and more than open to the opportunity, but it’s out of my hands.”
Reflecting on his debut season, Hooker admitted that pulling on the Springbok jersey still feels special every time.
“It’s all the sacrifices that you’ve made up until that point.
“It takes huge amounts of commitment and effort to get to that point in your career.
“Putting that jersey on just sums it up. Everything that you’ve done for this moment — it’s all worth it. It’s a huge honour, a huge privilege.
“That feeling never goes away.”
