Cameron Hanekom is rapidly establishing himself as one of South African rugby’s most promising young talents, and his meteoric rise through the ranks has rugby fans taking notice worldwide.
The Rising Star from Pretoria
Born on May 10, 2002, Cameron Hanekom is a 23-year-old South African professional rugby union player who currently plays for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. Standing at an impressive 6’4″ (1.93m) and weighing 104kg, Hanekom has the physical attributes that make him a formidable presence on the rugby field.
His regular position is Number eight, where he has become known for his powerful carrying, breakdown work, and tactical awareness. The young forward has quickly become a cornerstone of the Bulls’ pack and a player many believe will be integral to South African rugby’s future.
Career Beginnings and Professional Debut
Hanekom was named in the Blue Bulls side for the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division, making his Currie Cup debut against the Free State Cheetahs in Round 2 of the 2022 Currie Cup Premier Division. This marked the beginning of what would become a remarkably successful professional career.
From his debut, it was clear that Hanekom possessed the skills and rugby intelligence that would set him apart from his peers. His ability to read the game, combined with his physical prowess, quickly caught the attention of coaches and selectors at higher levels.
International Recognition and Awards
The 2024-25 season has been particularly rewarding for Hanekom. He was named the United Rugby Championship’s Next-Gen Player of the Season, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding young talent in one of the world’s premier rugby competitions.
The category is open to players who were aged 23 or under at the start of the season and had earned no more than five international caps at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, with players required to have played at least nine games in the 2024/25 URC season.
His exceptional performances haven’t gone unnoticed at the highest level either. Hanekom has been shortlisted for the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award, placing him among South Africa’s most promising young rugby talents.
Elite XV Recognition
Hanekom was named in the 2023-24 United Rugby Championship Elite XV team and selected again for the 2024-25 URC Elite XV, demonstrating his consistent excellence at the highest level of club rugby.
The Bulls and Munster secured the most picks – three each – on the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship Elite XV, with Hanekom joining Bulls teammates Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw in this prestigious selection.
Playing Style and Impact
According to media who voted for him as Next-Gen player of the year: “Cameron Hanekom is supremely powerful in a thoroughly focused way, whether ripping the ball off the opposition or carrying it up. He has learned to be more selective at the breakdown and has a massive engine. A thrilling runner in space as well.”
Hanekom has been a monstrous player for the Bulls this season, helping them finish second in the regular season table. The Springbok started 11 from the 14 regular-season matches he has featured in, scoring three tries and ranking in the top five of the league’s top offloaders. He also features in the top 15 in the carriers and defence beaters.
International Aspirations
While Hanekom has already made his mark at provincial and club level, rugby fans are eagerly anticipating his full integration into the Springbok setup. There’s considerable discussion in rugby circles about his potential as a future Springbok star, with many believing he represents the future of South African rugby.
Four young players – including Hanekom – made their Test debuts in 2024, indicating that he has already begun his international journey, though fans and pundits believe his best days in the green and gold are still ahead of him.
The Road Ahead
At just 23 years old, Cameron Hanekom has already achieved remarkable success in professional rugby. His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and tactical awareness has made him one of the most exciting prospects in world rugby.
With consistent performances for the Bulls in both the United Rugby Championship and European competitions, plus his growing recognition at international level, Hanekom appears destined for great things. His development trajectory suggests that rugby fans will be watching this young Number eight for many years to come.
As South African rugby continues to evolve and develop new talent, Cameron Hanekom stands out as a player who embodies the future of the sport in the country. His journey from promising young player to established professional has been swift, but if his recent performances are any indication, the best is yet to come for this exceptional rugby talent.
Follow Cameron Hanekom’s continuing rugby journey as he aims to cement his place among South Africa’s rugby elite and help lead the Bulls to further success in both domestic and international competitions.
