In the competitive world of South African rugby, few young players have captured attention as quickly as Bathobele “Batho” Hlekani, a 20-year-old back row forward who currently plays for the Sharks. Standing at an impressive 1.93 meters (6 ft 4 in) and weighing 115 kg, Hlekani has already established himself as one of the most promising talents in South African rugby.
Early Life and Background
Hlekani’s journey to rugby stardom is particularly inspiring, having risen from the township of Zwide where he initially attended Ndzondelelo High School. His rugby development truly accelerated when he became a graduate of Graeme College, where his natural athletic ability and dedication to the sport began to flourish.
Born on May 4, 2005, Hlekani represents the new generation of South African rugby talent that combines raw power with technical skill and rugby intelligence. His background reflects the diverse pathways through which South African rugby continues to develop world-class players.
Rise Through the Ranks
Hlekani shot onto the radar with his performances for Eastern Province’s U18 Craven Week side in 2023 and earned a call into the SA Schools and SA U18 teams. This recognition at the youth level demonstrated his exceptional potential and marked the beginning of his rapid ascent through South African rugby’s development structures.
His performances at these junior levels were characterized by his unique combination of size, athleticism, and ball-handling skills that set him apart from his peers. The rugby community began to take notice of this versatile forward who could impact games in multiple ways.
Junior Springboks Success
The pinnacle of Hlekani’s junior career came with his selection for the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Starting in the second row alongside vice-captain JF van Heerden, Hlekani provided serious power in South Africa’s engine room, while he was also destructive when asked to carry the ball forward.
His tournament debut was nothing short of spectacular. Captain Zach Porthen nominated lock Bathobele Hlekani as the unofficial man of the match after helping the Junior Springboks make a physical statement against Fiji in their U20 World Championship opener. The team’s comprehensive victory showcased Hlekani’s ability to perform on the biggest stage.
“Batho is definitely a big boy,” said Porthen. “He was at lock, but he plays like a flank as well around the pitch. You could see that today, with how he sidestepped a few guys and made metres off every carry. That’s what we need.”
Positional Versatility
One of Hlekani’s most valuable attributes is his positional flexibility. While he currently plays as a back row forward for the Sharks, his coaches have strategically developed his game by moving him between positions. Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko explained that the decision to move Hlekani from the back row to lock has been very purposeful, with the idea to bring him closer to the game.
“Batho is going to be a flank,” Nhleko explained. “We see him as a flank. We are very conscious about growing his game. When he came to us, lineouts weren’t a big thing for him and some of his fundamentals weren’t there.”
Recognition at Senior Level
Hlekani’s exceptional performances at junior level have not gone unnoticed by senior Springbok management. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus invited three Young Guns, who were members of the triumphant Junior Springbok World Rugby U20 Championship squad – including Bathobele Hlekani – to train with the group during their two-week conditioning camp.
This invitation to train with the senior Springbok squad represents a significant milestone in Hlekani’s career and indicates the high regard in which he is held by South African rugby’s leadership.
Future Prospects
At just 20 years old, Hlekani represents the future of South African rugby. His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and mental toughness positions him well for a potential senior Springbok career. His development under the Sharks system, combined with his international experience at junior level, provides an excellent foundation for continued growth.
As South African rugby continues to evolve and develop new talent, Bathobele Hlekani stands out as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in recent years, carrying the hopes and expectations of a rugby-mad nation on his broad shoulders.
