Wikus van Heerden

Wikus van Heerden (born 25 February, 1979 in Johannesburg) is a South African rugby union footballer who plays as a Flanker, currently signed to play for the Saracens F.C. in the Guiness premiership, and the Bulls in the international Super 14 competition. Van Heerden has also played for the national team, the Springboks. Before his move to the Bulls, he was the captain of the Cats (Now known as the Lions). He weighs 105 kg (16 st 7 lb) and stands 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) tall. Van Heerden is known for his high work rate, toughness as well as his leadership experience, despite having captained perpetually unsuccessful teams [such as the Cats/Lions during the 2004-6 Super 12/14 seasons in which, only 4 games from 35 were won].

He made his debut for the Springboks on 7 June 2003 as flanker against Scotland at Kings Park in Durban. South Africa won the match 29 points to 25. He played at flanker for the second Test against the Scottish a week later at Ellis Park, which South Africa also won, 28 to 19.

He was subsequently including in South Africa's 2003 Tri Nations Series squad. He played against the Wallabies at Newlands, which the Springboks won 26 to 22. He also played against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld, and was a reserve in another match against Australia at Suncorp Stadium, both of which the Springboks lost.

Van Heerden had a good 2007 Super 14 campaign with the Bulls as the team’s specialist fetcher. His best game was in the Bulls’ 92-3 win against the Reds at Loftus, scoring two tries in the process. This led to him being selected into the Springboks. In July 2007, Van Heerden played his first Test in four years, against the Wallabies in Sydney. He played very well in this match, being regarded as the best Bok forward, albeit in a second string Springbok XV. He was equally impressive in the match against the All Blacks in Christchurch a week later. These performances lead to his inclusion in the Springbok's Rugby world cup squad.

On 16 May 2008 it was confirmed that he would join Guinness Premiership side Saracens in November 2008 following his Currie Cup commitments with the Bulls. He scored a try on his debut for Saracens in a 27-14 defeat against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium on 23 November.

His father is former Springbok Lock Moaner van Heerden.

External links

• Wikus van Heerden on the Springbok Rugby Hall of Fame
• Wikus van Heerden on sarugby.com
• Wikus van Heerden to Captain Lions Team
• Profile on Saracens official website