Who is the Former Springbok’s Son Aspiring to Play for the All Blacks?
Pretoria-born rugby star Jordi Viljoen, with a strong Springbok family connection, is now committed to pursuing his All Blacks dream.
In a unique story that will surely catch the attention of Springbok rugby fans, Jordi Viljoen – a former Junior All Blacks player – has signed a senior deal with the Hurricanes ahead of the next Super Rugby Pacific season.
After spending last year on a National Development Contract, Viljoen was included in the Hurricanes’ wider training group in 2024. He made his debut against the Western Force this year and has now been rewarded with a full-time senior contract, which he described as “an absolute privilege” after committing through to the end of 2026.
WHO IS VILJOEN, THE SON OF A FORMER SPRINGBOK WHO NOW HOPES TO PLAY FOR THE ALL BLACKS?
The talented scrumhalf is the son of ex-Springboks scrumhalf Joggie Viljoen Jnr. (who featured in three non-Test tour games in the 1990s) and the grandson of Joggie Viljoen Snr, who also represented South Africa in the 1970s.
Viljoen was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but relocated to New Zealand as a child when his father joined Manawatu in 2007 after a stint with the Hurricanes in 2000.
Viljoen attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Hastings Boys’ High School, where he was selected for New Zealand Schools. He also represented New Zealand U20 in 2023.
This paved the way for his selection in the Hurricanes’ wider squad, and he went on to make several noteworthy appearances before now signing his first full-time contract.
“Very special for my family, especially Dad playing for the same club. Everyone stayed up late to watch the game, so super happy,” he commented after his debut.
After getting his first taste of Super Rugby, the 20-year-old confirmed that he would not follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps in terms of wanting to play for the Springboks. Instead, his allegiance is now fully with the All Blacks.
“100% I’d love to play for the All Blacks,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s been a dream ever since moving here. New Zealand has given me a lot of opportunities in terms of rugby and living a safe and happy life to be honest.”
In another standout connection, legendary former All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith is a family friend.
“When Nuggy (Smith) was at Feilding Ag [Feilding High School] and Manawatū, my dad would take him for training, and we were really close with their family, and we have a personal bond,” he commented.
VILJOEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THE JOURNEY AHEAD
“It’s a massive blessing for me to sign with the Hurricanes; it’s been an amazing season on and off the field. To be able to follow in my dad’s footsteps and pave my own path has been an absolute privilege,” Viljoen said in a statement.
“Coming through the Hurricanes pathway, this has always been a goal of mine, so to be able to commit for the next two seasons is awesome.”
