In the world of South African rugby, emerging talent continues to capture attention, and one name making waves is Hakeem Kunene. This promising fullback has been steadily climbing the ranks, showcasing his skills from youth rugby through to professional competition. Here’s everything you need to know about this rising star.
Personal Profile and Physical Stats
Hakeem Kunene was born on February 3, 2003, making him 22 years old as of 2025. Standing at 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall and weighing 90 kilograms (198 pounds), Kunene possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern rugby fullback. His athletic build combines the pace needed for counter-attacking with the strength required to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
The young athlete hails from South Africa, where rugby is deeply embedded in the sporting culture. His physical measurements place him in the sweet spot for a professional fullback – tall enough to compete for high balls and handle aerial challenges, yet agile enough to exploit gaps in defensive lines.
Current Team and Position
Hakeem Kunene currently plays for the Sharks in South Africa, operating primarily as a fullback. The Sharks, based in Durban, are one of South Africa’s premier rugby franchises, competing in both domestic competitions like the Currie Cup and international tournaments including the United Rugby Championship and European competitions.
Playing for the Sharks represents a significant achievement for any young rugby player. The franchise has a rich history of developing talent and has produced numerous Springbok internationals over the years. For Kunene, joining the Sharks roster places him in an environment where he can learn from experienced professionals while competing at the highest domestic and international levels.
Rugby Journey and Career Development
Kunene’s rugby journey follows the traditional South African pathway from youth rugby to professional competition. His career highlights include representing the Junior Springboks at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, which serves as a crucial stepping stone for young South African players aspiring to reach Springbok level.
The Under-20 World Championship represents one of rugby’s most prestigious youth tournaments, where future stars often announce themselves to the global rugby community. Kunene’s selection for this tournament demonstrates the high regard in which he’s held by South African rugby selectors and coaching staff.
Following his international youth experience, Kunene made five appearances for the Sharks in the Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic competition. This exposure to professional rugby helped him develop his game and adapt to the physicality and tactical demands of senior rugby.
Recent Professional Breakthrough
The 2024-2025 season has marked a significant step forward in Kunene’s career. He came off the bench in the Sharks’ Investec Champions Cup match against Leicester in December, representing his debut in European competition. The Champions Cup is rugby’s premier club tournament, featuring the best teams from across Europe and South Africa.
Sharks coach John Plumtree has shown confidence in Kunene, selecting him to replace Springbok Aphelele Fassi in crucial matches. This trust from the coaching staff highlights Kunene’s development and readiness to compete at the highest level.
Coach Plumtree has praised Kunene’s versatility and natural ability, noting that “Hakeem played all his age-grade rugby at fullback and we’re keen to see what depth we have there”. This endorsement from an experienced coach suggests that Kunene has the technical skills and rugby intelligence needed to succeed at professional level.
Playing Style and Attributes
According to Plumtree, Kunene “can be pretty dangerous” when given space to attack, suggesting he possesses the pace and footwork that make modern fullbacks so effective in counter-attacking situations. The fullback position in contemporary rugby requires players to be equally comfortable defending under high balls, organizing defensive lines, and launching attacking moves from deep positions.
Kunene’s progression through youth rugby at fullback has allowed him to develop the positional awareness and game management skills crucial for success in this role. His ability to read the game and make split-second decisions under pressure will be vital as he continues his professional development.
Future Prospects
At just 22 years old, Kunene represents the future of South African rugby. His journey from youth international to professional rugby demonstrates the effectiveness of South Africa’s rugby development pathways. With continued development and regular game time with the Sharks, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of previous Sharks fullbacks who have gone on to represent the Springboks.
The combination of his physical attributes, international youth experience, and growing professional exposure positions Kunene well for continued success. As he gains more experience in competitions like the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup, rugby fans can expect to see further development in his game.
Hakeem Kunene’s story is still being written, but the early chapters suggest a player with the talent and determination to make a significant impact on South African rugby. His journey from promising youth player to professional rugby represents both personal achievement and the continued strength of South African rugby’s talent development system.
