Bottom line: Gerhard Steenekamp has emerged as one of South Africa’s premier loosehead props, rising from Potchefstroom schoolboy rugby to Springbok international, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Bulls’ dominant scrum and earning recognition as a future star of South African rugby.
Gerhard Steenekamp represents the modern evolution of South African forward play, combining traditional prop skills with dynamic ball-handling abilities that have made him one of the most exciting young talents in world rugby. His rapid ascent from provincial rugby to international recognition exemplifies the depth and quality of South African rugby development.
Personal Background and Early Life
Gerhardus Cornelis Steenekamp was born on 9 April 1997 in Potchefstroom, South Africa, establishing his roots in one of the country’s most rugby-focused regions. Standing at 1.94 m tall (6 ft 4 in) and weighing in at 128 kg (20 st 2.19 lb; 282.19 lb), Steenekamp possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern loosehead prop.
Steenekamp’s rugby journey started at Potchefstroom Gimnasium, where he captained the school’s rugby team. Remarkably, his rugby development took an unconventional path as he was a No 8 at school, providing him with unique ball-handling skills that would later distinguish him from traditional props.
His early exposure to loose forward play has proven invaluable in his professional career. “I feel sometimes like props get few opportunities with the ball, so when you do get it, you must make sure it goes through the hands and that you don’t make a mistake,” Steenekamp explained. “I think my past experience as a loose forward does help.”
Youth and Development Career
The famous Springboks rugby prop began his career at Potchefstroom Gimnasium, where he represented the Leopards at several youth competitions, showcasing his abilities and prowess. His exceptional talent at school level quickly attracted the attention of provincial selectors.
Afterwards, he joined the Blue Bulls, attracting selectors’ interest and contributing significantly to their under-19 squad. This transition from school rugby to provincial youth levels marked the beginning of his professional development pathway.
Due to his potential, he was included in the Bulls’ wider training squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season. This early recognition of his talent demonstrated the Bulls’ commitment to developing local talent and Steenekamp’s exceptional potential.
His development was further accelerated when he was chosen for the South Africa Under-20 national squad for the U20 World Championship, demonstrating the fruit of his devotion and diligence. This international youth experience provided crucial exposure to high-level rugby and international competition standards.
Professional Career Breakthrough
The renowned player signed a 2-year contract in August 2017 to stay in Pretoria until at least 2019, securing his immediate future with the Bulls organization and demonstrating their long-term investment in his development.
He made his Super Rugby debut while for the Bulls in their round 2 match against the Stormers in February 2020, coming on as a replacement prop. This debut represented the culmination of years of development and marked his entry into elite professional rugby.
Making his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls in February 2020, Steenekamp showcased his skills and made an impact as a replacement prop in a match against the Stormers. His immediate impact demonstrated his readiness for the professional level despite his young age.
Bulls Career and Recognition
Since then, he has been a key member of the Bulls’ Super Rugby side, contributing to their success in the 2020 season and beyond. His consistent performances established him as a regular in the Bulls’ forward pack.
Since then, he has represented the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship, showcasing his versatility across different competitions and his value to the franchise.
A career highlight came when Vodacom Bulls Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the Year: 2022/23 was awarded to Steenekamp, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the team’s success in their inaugural URC campaign.
His unique skill set has made him a standout performer. When last have you seen props offloading in the tackle – and not once, twice, but three times – in the same move that led to a superb try? That is exactly what Bulls frontrowers Gerhard Steenekamp and Mornay Smith achieved in a match against Eastern Province, demonstrating the modern attacking approach he brings to his position.
International Recognition and Springbok Career
Vodacom Bulls forward, Gerhard Steenekamp has been called up to the Springboks in July 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career. Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber said: “This will be a fantastic opportunity for Gerhard to experience our systems and to be in the national set-up. He’s been impressive for the Vodacom Bulls this season and he’s a former Junior Springbok, so we are excited to see what he has to offer at training.”
His international breakthrough came with Springbok debutant Gerhard Steenekamp was left beaming after his side’s 23-13 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires in August 2023. His debut performance was particularly impressive in the scrum, where he had Argentina under pressure in his second scrum as well, as he won another penalty.
Following his debut, Steenekamp was overwhelmed with emotion: “I don’t have words [to sum his debut up], it was an indescribable experience,” he said after the match. This reaction demonstrated the significance of representing his country at the highest level.
Playing Style and Attributes
At 1.94m and 128kg, he is a giant of a prop who could follow in the footsteps of Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira, drawing comparisons to one of South Africa’s greatest props. Like Mtawarira, who also played at the back of the scrum at school, Steenekamp’s background as a loose forward has enhanced his overall game.
His technical ability in the scrum has been particularly impressive. Springboks scrum coach Daan Human would have revelled in the scenes in Pretoria as he got treated to many set-pieces over the 80 minutes. His evening would have been made even more enjoyable with the front-row talent on display with Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp doing a job on the Stormers’ starting front rowers.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Steenekamp enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, with a series of impressive performances for the Bulls leading to his Springbok debut and a series of strong performances in green and gold. However, his progress was temporarily halted by injury.
The 28-year-old hasn’t featured for the Pretoria outfit since early March when he suffered a knee injury that led to some unfortunate complications following a minor procedure. Despite this setback, his return to action is eagerly anticipated.
According to various online sources such as Celebs Age Wiki, he has an alleged net worth of between $1 million and $5 million as of February 2024, reflecting his value as a professional rugby player.
Legacy and Impact
Gerhard Steenekamp is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. His promising career displays his ability to advance and succeed in the rugby world. His unique combination of traditional prop skills and loose forward attributes has redefined expectations for modern front-row players.
“I would like to hope so (to emulate Mtawarira)” Steenekamp said when asked about following in the footsteps of the Springbok legend, demonstrating his ambition to achieve similar heights in international rugby.
As he continues his recovery and prepares for his return to action, Gerhard Steenekamp remains one of South African rugby’s brightest prospects. His journey from Potchefstroom schoolboy to Springbok international serves as inspiration for young players, while his unique skill set continues to evolve the modern game at the highest level.
