Growing up in a sports loving family created an environment for Jordan Hendrikse to appreciate sport and an active lifestyle.
“I grew up in a small area near Breidbach just outside King William’s Town (Qonce) and the community was always filled with kids playing rugby, cricket and soccer in the streets. Having siblings just made life easier because we could play during the day. Growing up like this has made me loving, caring, humble, respectful and taught me the value of family. It has also taught me togetherness, faith and taking opportunities. All the credit goes to my family and community.”
Jordan would spend hours playing touch rugby in the streets with his brother, Jaden, and his friends. That’s how he grew fond of the sport over the years.

Jordan is currently a fly half for the South African Lions Rugby team but his journey to get to this position was not easy. He is also signed to Roc Nation along the likes of Siya Kolisi, Bongiwe Msomi and more.
“My sporting journey comes with a lot of lessons and memories. It’s been a hard, physical and emotional journey. From always being in the shadow due to my size or how small I was in school, to now playing for the Lions.”

Though it is almost cliche to say, Jordan strongly attests to hard work, determination and putting in the hours of training to get to where he is today.
“The preparation, enjoying every moment and just being grateful for the opportunities, all of this took me through being successful in the last year of school for Rugby.”

Jordan went to high school in Durban where he achieved, through the sport, things like Craven Week and SA Schools A. He moved to Stellenbosch University before joining the Junior Boks for alignment camps until Covid-19 happened. He eventually joined the Lions team as part of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup.

He credits his family, most importantly his brother Jaden who is also a professional rugby player for the Sharks, his friends and his coaches Mr Derek Heigberg and Mr Dos Santos for helping him progress in his career.

The three most important values Jordan feels a sportsman should have are discipline, faith and humility.
Some of the ways he practises that discipline is by taking care of his body so that he is always fit and ready for the field.

“So like they say, recovery is key. I’m a very active person so I go to the gym twice a day and recover at night. So ice baths after hectic training sessions, stretching at home before bed and utilising my Normatec (compression boots). In saying that, I also eat good meals and restore all my calories I burn on a daily basis.”

His daily motivation is his family and community that he never wants to disappoint.
“I just don’t want to be a failure, I try to inspire others.”
He is most inspired by New Zealand’s Richie Mo’unga, Scotland’s Finn Russell and English player Owen Farrell.
“These are players I look up to and I incorporate my game around all of them. I make it my own style of how I want to play the game.”

During his spare time, Jordan continues to stay active by going to regular gym sessions or being adventurous in nature, going on hikes and exploring.

“I enjoy winding down with some series and cooking. I also enjoy travelling and that has taught me patience especially the travelling part but also the different lifestyles we live compared to other countries. The perks of travelling is you get to explore and learn about new cultures.”

Jordan’s career highlight so far is playing against the British & Irish Lions.
“Getting to play against world class players was quite the feat and this only happens every 12 years.”

The flyhalf got a taste of international rugby when he played at the London Sevens, representing his home country at a full Twickenham Stadium.

Jordan is working his way up to become a Springbok player where he will get an even bigger slice of the international rugby stadiums.
“My dream is to become a Springbok but I’m patient about that and making massive strides in my game. I am getting back on the rugby field.”

His recent shoulder injury resulted in him having to take a backseat from the game he loves so much.
“It has been a tough and challenging journey but I’m grateful for having the support structures through it all. It’s all part of the game, and it’s just about bouncing back stronger. Mentally you have to stay healthy and have a positive mindset.”

Jordan’s advice to the young boys who are watching him and aspiring to one day become successful rugby players is this: “Firstly, believe in yourself. Continue working hard, always be humble, always give more than what is expected and be patient. Put God first through your journey and stick close to those who align with your goals and dreams.”

Credits

Cover star: @JordanHendrikse

Cover story: @Mane_mpi

Editor-in-Chief & Producer: @BonnieMeslane

Photographer: @AustinMalema of @_RTCStudios 

Creative Direction: Lesego Kgosimolao & Bonnie Meslane

Wardrobe styling: @advicebykgosilesego 

Styling team: @bokangbatloung @iseng @mrsuave_dastylista 

Makeup: @CarolineGreeff & @Tumimbangi

Hair: @laid_by_lolo 

Photography Team from @_RTCstudios: Henry King  Digitech

Nkateko Masinga Lighting Director

Tyrone Jhns Retoucher 

Khotso Tsaagane Assistant

Tshepo Zitha Assistant

Production Assistant: @TumiMbangi

Graphic Design: @Herbert_brian 

Studio: @NewKatzstudio