In the competitive world of South African rugby, few young players have captured attention as quickly as Suleiman Hartzenberg. Born on May 20, 2003, in Cape Town, South Africa, this 22-year-old centre and wing has become one of the most promising talents in the United Rugby Championship, playing for the DHL Stormers.
Early Life and Rugby Heritage
Hartzenberg comes from humble beginnings, with his parents Gawa and Faizel working as fruit and vegetable vendors. However, rugby runs deep in the Hartzenberg family bloodline. He is the younger brother of two accomplished rugby players: Yaya, who plays for the Griffons, and Munier, who represents the Griquas as a wing. This rugby-rich environment significantly shaped his passion for the game from an early age.
“Coming from a family of rugby players just made me fall in love with the game further,” Hartzenberg has said. “There were so many rugby conversations that it was so easy to speak about. Having older brothers who have been through the rugby system definitely helped and guided me”.
Educational Background and Early Development
Hartzenberg’s rugby journey began at Bishop’s College, an elite all-boys private school in the Western Cape, where he honed his skills and developed his passion for the game. His talent was evident from his school days, where he stood out as a midfield player with exceptional potential.
Beyond rugby, Hartzenberg is currently studying towards a BA in Humanities at the University of Cape Town, demonstrating his commitment to education alongside his sporting career. His academic pursuits reflect broader ambitions, as he has expressed interest in teaching or social work, wanting to make a positive impact off the field.
Professional Career Breakthrough
Hartzenberg made his professional debut for the Stormers in the 2022-23 United Rugby Championship at just 19 years old, featuring in Round 1 against Connacht in Stellenbosch. The transition from school rugby to professional level was remarkably smooth for the young player.
“It was a surreal feeling as I could not believe I was making my DHL Stormers debut because I know the history behind the jersey,” he reflected on his debut. “It meant so much because just a few months prior I made my Ikeys debut and before that I was playing high school rugby”.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 1.87 meters (6 feet 2 inches) tall and weighing 95 kilograms, Hartzenberg possesses the ideal physical attributes for both centre and wing positions. His combination of speed, agility, and strength makes him a dangerous attacking threat and a solid defensive presence on the field.
While primarily playing on the wing for the Stormers, Hartzenberg sees himself as a future centre, stating: “I do see myself playing centre in the future. At the moment, the team needs me at wing, so I am happy to swing between the two and just see when the opportunity comes”.
Recent Achievements and Recognition
Hartzenberg was named in the South Africa A squad for their European tour in October 2022, marking his first involvement in a senior national team setup. His meteoric rise has even seen him being invited to Springbok alignment camps, indicating his potential for future international selection.
In March 2024, he scored a memorable hat-trick against Edinburgh in a 43-21 victory, showcasing his try-scoring ability and cementing his reputation as a rising star. By May 2025, he had reached the milestone of 50 games for the Stormers, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Future Prospects
In May 2024, Hartzenberg signed a contract extension with the Stormers until 2027, demonstrating the franchise’s faith in his potential. Director of Rugby John Dobson praised him as “a player who has shown incredible natural talent from a young age, yet also has an impressive capacity to take information on and improve his game”.
“As a Cape Town boy I am living my dream playing for the Stormers,” Hartzenberg said upon signing his extension. “The environment here is truly special and I want to continue growing my game in the DHL Stormers system surrounded by some world-class players and coaches”.
At just 22 years old, Suleiman Hartzenberg represents the future of South African rugby. With his combination of natural talent, work ethic, and supportive environment, he is well-positioned to achieve his ultimate goal of representing the Springboks on the international stage while continuing to be a key player for the Stormers in the years ahead.
