The young Bulls loose-forward, Cameron Hanekom, is living the dream by being with the Springboks for their End-of-Year tour.

It will kick off against Scotland next week. The back-to-back World Champions are in Jersey until Sunday and preparing for the big Test against Scotland.

The 22-year-old Hanekom was a late call-up to the national team following the injury to Damian Willemse and has been customary with the coach Rassie Erasmus, he does not necessarily replace an injured player with players in the same position.

Cameron Hanekom. Photo: Morgan Piek

A fine example of this was during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France when the hooker Malcolm Marx got injured, he was replaced by the flyhalf Handré Pollard, and this move certainly paid off.

All indications are Hanekom will become a Springbok next week Sunday when they take to the field against Scotland in Edinburgh. In the past, just going on a tour would automatically ensure a player received his Springbok blazer and number, however, this was changed some time ago and a player now actually has to play in a Test before earning the right to wear his blazer.

Hanekom’s call-up is certainly one step closer in the right direction for the versatile youngster, especially as there were calls for him to be called up from last year already.

Hanekom told OFM Sport he has not quite earned the right to be called a Springbok yet, but this is what dreams are made of, and it’s certainly one that has come true.

“It was always a dream to strive towards becoming a Springbok, I’m not there yet, but being in the squad and being able to learn so much from the people I’ve been looking up to for my entire career has just been incredible.”

“It’s a dream come true just to be in this environment. It’s probably a case of you never know when the call is going to come because I didn’t even know at the time that I was going to replace Damian.”

Cameron Hanekom. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

“I was so in disbelief when I got the phone call. I just asked them first – Are you joking? I just wanted to make sure that they really wanted me here. It’s a dream come true and I’ll play wherever I’m needed to play. I just want to contribute as much as I can.”

The Springboks will be in camp on the English Channel Island until Sunday, and from there they will fly to Edinburgh for the tour opener. The Thistles and Springboks will lock horns next week on Sunday at the iconic Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg