Another Lion departs Ellis Park en route to Shark Tank
CONTRACT NEWS: The list of former Lions players in the Shark Tank has just received a new member.
Flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse, a member of the Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town next week, has officially signed an agreement to join the Sharks.
His agency, Roc Nation Sports International, said it is an “all-important career move” for the talented 22-year-old.
He will join Bok brother Jaden Hendrikse in Durban.
Confirmation of the move – the subject of much speculation in recent months – comes ahead of the Lions’ Round 11 United Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
At some stage, the Hendrikse brothers are expected to face off during the match in the Den.
“The exciting transfer presents Jordan with an opportunity for increased playing time and will see him reunite with his brother Jaden on the field,” Roc Nation said in a statement to @rugby365com.
“Jordan has been an integral member of the Lions team over the last few years, but he is excited to start a new chapter in Durban where he will undoubtedly compete for the No.10 jersey and aim to contribute positively to a strong Sharks team that is currently undergoing a rebuild under coach John Plumtree.”
His contract at Lions runs till December, although an early release has not been ruled out.
Born in King William’s Town and schooled at Glenwood High, Jordan moved to the Lions after school in 2021 and has played 50-odd games for the Ellis Park-based franchise.
His inclusion in the alignment camp affirms that he is on Rassie Erasmus’ Bok radar.
The most recent Ellis Park to Shark Tank club members are Vincent Tshituka, whose brother Emmanuel is reportedly also on the Sharks’ short-list, and James Venter.
Other players with strong Lions links currently playing in Durban include Bok flyer Aphiwe Dyantyi (40-odd games) and Anthony Volmink (over 100 outings).
Sale Sharks-bound lock Le Roux Roets also played his junior rugby and some senior matches for the Lions.
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