Wales never an option for Hanekom

SPOTLIGHT: Uncapped Springbok squad member Cameron Hanekom has never had ambitions to represent Wales as he eyes a potential debut with the Springboks.

Hanekom has been a stalwart for the Bulls since making his URC debut during the 2022/23 season.

His eye catching performances has seen him being invited to Springbok alignment camps before being officially called-up as an injury replacement for Damian Willemse who sustained a groin injury that ruled him out of the Springboks’ touring squad to Europe.

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Hanekom pledged his full allegiance to the green and gold despite being qualified to represent Wales through his Welsh-born grandmother.

“No never, I’ve always dreamt of becoming a Springbok and I’ll keep on working as hard as possible to make that dream come true, I’ve never thought of going to Wales or playing for them.”

“The dream always was to strive towards being a Springbok, I’m not there yet, but being in this squad and being able to learn so much from the people I’ve been looking up to for my entire career, it’s been incredible.”

His Springbok call-up came as a surprise to him and he was in ‘disbelief’ and states that it’s been ‘a dream come true’ to be part of the Springbok set-up.

“You never know when the call is going to come,” Hanekom said.

“I didn’t even know at the time that I was going to replace Damian [Willemse].

“I was so in disbelief when I got the phonecall, I asked them first ‘are you joking’ just to make sure they really wanted me here.

“I mean it’s a dream come true and I’ll play wherever I’m needed to play and I just want to contribute as much as I can.”

Hanekom also opened up on whether he has a preferred playing position in the loose forward department and his style of play.

“I am versatile when it comes to playing in the loose forwards.

“I don’t have a preferable position at the moment, it’s more about having a mental switch knowing that every position has it’s different roles and being able to do it to the best of my ability.”

“I want to be able to offer something of everything for the team I’m playing for so I’m trying at the moment to improve my game as much as possible.”

A Springbok debut would be a fulfilled dream for Hanekom, but to him it’s about contributing to the team.

“It would be the cherry on the cake if I should make my debut, but at the moment I feel I should focus on giving my best and make a positive impact in the team.”