JD Schickerling stands as one of South Africa’s most resilient rugby union players, whose journey from a career-threatening injury to becoming a key figure for the Stormers exemplifies determination and skill in professional rugby.
Personal Background and Early Life
John Dave Schickerling (born 9 May 1995 in Calvinia, South Africa) is currently 29 years old and has established himself as a formidable presence in South African rugby. Standing at 2.03 m tall (6 ft 8 in) and weighing in at 121 kg (19 st 0.76 lb; 266.76 lb), Schickerling possesses the ideal physical attributes for his position as a lock forward.
A member of the 2012 & 2013 SA Schools side and the SA U20 side this Paarl Gymnasium product showed early promise in rugby from his school days. His educational background at Paarl Gimnasium, a renowned rugby-producing institution in South Africa, laid the foundation for his professional career.
Career-Defining Injury and Recovery
Schickerling’s rugby journey took a dramatic turn in 2014 when a terrible neck injury nearly end his career playing for the WP U21’s but miraculously he not only recovered but returned to the game. The severity of this injury cannot be understated – he suffered a broken neck that required surgery and the insertion of a metal plate to relieve pressure on his spinal cord. The fact that he returned to professional rugby after such a devastating setback speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and determination.
Professional Career Timeline
Schickerling began his professional career with the Stormers in 2016, where he made an immediate impact. Schickerling took his Super Rugby cap tally to 17 in 2017 and helped Western Province to yet another Currie Cup title. However, injuries continued to plague his early career, as another injury setback saw Schickerling make just 4 appearances for the Stormers for 2018 season.
Despite these setbacks, his performances in domestic rugby remained impressive. He starred in the Currie Cup and earned a call up to the Springbok squad for the 2018 November Tests, marking a significant milestone in his career.
International Experience
Schickerling’s international credentials include representation at various levels. In 2016, Schickerling was included in a South Africa ‘A’ squad that played a two-match series against a touring England Saxons team, where he gained valuable experience against top-level opposition.
Japanese Rugby Stint
Following his initial stint with the Stormers, Schickerling ventured to Japan, where he played for multiple clubs. The following year he was named in the South Africa Green side before signing for Top League side Kobelco Steelers in September 2021. He later moved to Kubota Spears in 2023, gaining valuable international experience and exposure to different rugby styles.
Return to the Stormers
In a significant development for South African rugby, Schickerling returned to his rugby roots in 2024. The 29-year-old initially represented the Stormers from 2016 to 2021 before heading to Japan where he represented Kobelco Kobe Steelers for two years before joining the Kubota Spears in 2023. His return was motivated by his unwavering commitment to representing South Africa at the highest level.
Notably, “I would probably have qualified for Japan in a year. It was on the table, but I could never envisage playing for Japan,” he told Netwerk24. “My heart was always in South Africa and it will always remain a dream to play for the Springboks one day.”
Current Role and Playing Style
As of 2025, JD SCHICKERLING (John Dave SCHICKERLING) is a 29-year-old South African rugby player… who currently plays for Stormers in South Africa as lock. DHL Stormers Caps: 51 reflects his significant contribution to the team since his return.
Schickerling’s versatility in the second row is one of his greatest assets. “We both enjoy playing as number four and number five slots,” he said. “This makes it easy to share the workload. These days you do the same things regardless of which of the lock positions you play. The only difference is that as a number five lock you run the lineouts.”
Conclusion
JD Schickerling’s career represents the epitome of perseverance in professional rugby. From overcoming a career-threatening neck injury to representing his country and playing internationally in Japan, his journey continues with the Stormers as he pursues his ultimate dream of Springbok selection. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him a valuable asset to South African rugby.
