Another dual-qualified star could be in the making

By signing up, you allow us to better understand you and deliver material in ways you have consented to. Based on what we know about you, this might include advertisements from us and outside parties. When his club coach found out that Cameron Hanekom, the star of the Baby Boks, qualified to play for Wales, he was taken aback.
WalesOnline revealed earlier this week that Hanekom, a prominent emerging player in South African rugby, holds Welsh qualifications via his grandmother. Wales could be a possibility in the future, but the Springboks, who are highly regarded in South Africa, have a plenty of back-row talent.
When Hanekom played Scarlets in his United Rugby Championship debut, he put on a spectacular show. The 21-year-old produced a Player of the Match performance in a 63-21 hammering of the west Walians, scoring two tries with seven successful carries.

Before his team plays Cardiff Rugby on Friday, Bulls head coach Jake White is now in Wales. When Hanekom’s Welsh qualifications were revealed, the South African coach was taken aback. “I didn’t know until one of the BBC commentators told me at training!,” he stated.

“Did you know this kid is qualified in Welsh?” he said. and the following day I discovered in the newspaper that he is eligible for the Welsh squad because of his grandmother. That strikes me as a sign of the times. We will likely continue to have players in South Africa who are qualified for other nations. Obviously, he’s a great talent. He was voted the best player in a U20s tournament a couple of years back. He’s still only 21.

“He’s been a good find for the public, but we knew he was in our system and that it was always inevitable he would come through into our mix.”

It’s already tough for Hanekom to break into the South Africa national team, but it will be even harder come World Cup season, with guys like the reigning Stormers number eight, Evan Roos, already making waves. Hanekom can undoubtedly make an impact on the team, but Wales would be a good choice if he ever feels like switching.

Similar conditions have led to a number of South African-born players playing for other foreign teams; Duhan van der Merwe, for example, has emerged as a significant player for Scotland in recent times.

“If I look at Jac Morgan and Taine Plumtree, there are some really good loose forwards coming through for Wales,” White continued, praising the back row alternatives that Wales possesses. Therefore, I don’t think it’s a given that you will be chosen to play for Wales simply because you meet the eligibility requirements.

“It’s a great honour to play for your country and I can’t see that just because you qualify you therefore get an easier ride into playing international rugby.”

Cardiff Rugby host White’s Bulls under the Friday night lights at 7.35pm