Vodacom Bulls JF van Heerden Q&A

Sep 4 • Currie Cup, General News, International, National, South Africa, South Africa, United Rugby Championship • 89 Views • Comments Off on Vodacom Bulls JF van Heerden Q&A

JF van Heerden discusses playing against Courtney Lawes, learning from Bulls icons and enjoying Dublin:

1.Why rugby? I have been playing rugby since the age of 5, so it has always been part of my life. I love the physical part of it. It is definitely something to wake up for every morning.

2.What do you think of the new Bulls kit? I really like it. I feel it is a traditional Bulls jersey with a modern touch with the digital daisy pattern.

3.Tell us about what it means to be a Bull and what attracted you to join the team? I have always been a Bulls fan. Also, I play lock and they have a legacy of developing excellent locks.

4.What is it about Grey College rugby? Legacy. Tradition, History. It is a very proud school which makes it easy to work hard. You know you are part of 150 years of history, and you want to be remembered as having been a benefit to the school during your time.

5.Why lock? I have always been a bit bigger than the other players. I did play 8^th man and flank in my younger days, but once I moved to Grey for high school I moved to lock and I love the physical part of playing the position.

6.Which team was the most challenging to play against this season and why? Northampton Saints will be up there. My direct opponent was Courtney Lawes, and it was exciting to play against him. I also got to play against RG Snyman for Munster. It’s lekker to get the opportunity to measure yourself against the top tier guys.

7.Is the VURC title a big goal for next season? For the Bulls is it one of our main targets. It is also enjoyable getting to play across Europe and visit places you may never have visited if you didn’t play rugby.

8.When you watch rugby on tv are you just a fan or are you at work studying other teams and rival players? Definitely studying. Fort example if we are going to be playing Leinster who are known for playing a special type of rugby, I will watch to understand their game plan and why they do the things they do.

9.The Bulls have a very a rich legacy, so which former players would you have loved to have played alongside? Duane Vermeulen and Victor Matfield. Duane has come and spoken to us about on field stuff, like mauls and scrums. You can learn so much form Victor about lineout play. Bakkies Botha has also spoken to us about legacy and the Bulls brand. So, we are able to benefit from these Bulls stars.

10.How important is your own legacy? Like many South African players, I would like to earn 100 Bok caps and be remembered as someone the next player could look up to and learn from.

11.Travel is a big part of being a rugby player, do you get time to enjoy the places you visit and is there anywhere you have marked down for a return visit when you have more time? Dublin stands out as a place I would like to visit when I have more time. For Leinster, the stadium and the people.