How Stormers move impacted Van Heerden's Bok dream
It has been a journey built on hard work, determination and unwavering belief for Ruben van Heerden.
Now, after years of perseverance, the towering lock is set to make his first Test start for the Springboks when they take on Wales in Saturday’s Nations Championship Round Three clash.
Throughout the week, there has been nothing but praise for Van Heerden, with assistant coach Deon Davids labelling his upcoming debut as “well deserved”.
The 28-year-old has been one of the Stormers’ standout performers over the past two seasons.
Last season, he picked up the United Rugby Championship Tackle Machine award after he made 171 tackles at a success rate of 98 percent during the 2024/25 season.
This season, he continued with that form and made 16 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
On the international scene, the lock was called up to the Barbarians squad and faced the All Blacks XV in November last year before eventually receiving the news he had been waiting years to hear.
Following the withdrawal of Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat due to a neck injury, Van Heerden was called into the Springbok squad last month.
After featuring for South Africa ‘A’ against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Alberton-born lock will finally get his opportunity to wear the famous green and gold from the start.
“It’s pretty surreal at this stage,” Van Heerden told reporters.
“Everyone walks a different path.
“Everyone has a different journey. So, for me at this stage, I’m not trying to overthink anything. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and hoping to make the most of it when it comes on Saturday.”
For Van Heerden, representing the Springboks has always been the ultimate ambition.
“[Being a Springbok] has probably always been a goal. And it’s a big privilege.
“I think you just try and do your best and you control the controllables. And if it happens, it happens.
“In this case now, it’s happening for me and I’m very grateful for it.”
The lock admitted there were moments when he questioned whether his opportunity would ever come, but those setbacks ultimately strengthened his resolve.
“You are human. You have goals that you set for yourself. You feel like you had a good season. You don’t really get picked.
“But I think it’s in those moments that your faith keeps you and that is how your character is built and formed.
“I’m thankful for those frustrations because they form your character.
“And without getting too religious, I think you learn a lot of patience with these types of things. And you can always make your plans and plan your things, but God is the one who determines your footsteps.”
Van Heerden’s career has taken him across South Africa and Europe.
He began his professional career at the Bulls before moving to the Sharks, where he made more than 50 appearances across all competitions. A stint with Exeter Chiefs in England followed before he joined the Stormers in 2022 – a move that proved to be the turning point in his career.
His consistently outstanding performances in Cape Town have now earned him a move to French Top 14 giants Montpellier ahead of the new season.
Reflecting on his rugby journey, Van Heerden believes his move to the Stormers transformed his career.
“I’ve got great memories of the Sharks.
“I was quite young when I was still playing at the Sharks and I had some good memories over there as well.
“But I think the change of scenery going to Cape Town, and the trust that was shown to me by the coaching staff over there, really helped me to be where I am today.”
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Van Heerden insists nerves have not crept in just yet.
Instead, there is only excitement as he prepares to fulfil a lifelong dream by running out in the Springbok jersey for the first time as a starter on Saturday.
