Ruben van Heerden Named URC Tackle Machine for 2024/25 Season
DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden has been crowned the United Rugby Championship (URC) Tackle Machine for the 2024/25 season, a testament to his consistency, grit, and commitment on the field. The prestigious award recognizes the most efficient and impactful tackler in the league, and van Heerden earned it through an outstanding defensive performance across the regular season.
The 26-year-old enforcer completed a remarkable 171 tackles with an incredible 98% success rate — the highest among players who attempted at least 150 tackles during the campaign. His efforts were central to the Stormers’ strong defensive record and helped the Cape Town-based side maintain their competitive edge in one of the most grueling rugby tournaments in the world.
Van Heerden edged out fierce competition for the award. Glasgow Warriors’ Rory Darge closely followed with 160 tackles at a 97% completion rate, while Sharks flanker Phepsi Buthelezi impressed with 157 tackles at 96.82%. Despite the stiff competition, van Heerden’s consistency and near-perfect accuracy over a long season ultimately set him apart.
“Defense wins championships, and Ruben has exemplified that mantra this season,” said Stormers head coach John Dobson. “His work rate, discipline, and physicality have been phenomenal. He’s a player who leads by example and never shirks the hard yards.”
Van Heerden’s achievement is not just an individual milestone but also reflects the collective effort of the Stormers’ forward pack, which has been dominant throughout the season. Their structured defense and aggressive breakdown work have been a defining characteristic of their play, and van Heerden’s role at the heart of that effort has not gone unnoticed.
This accolade adds to a growing list of individual honors for Stormers players this season, highlighting the depth and quality within their ranks. It also reinforces the South African franchises’ influence in the URC, with players from the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls regularly featuring among the league’s top performers.
For van Heerden, this recognition will be a proud moment in a blossoming career. As he continues to develop his game, both in open play and at the set piece, he is establishing himself as one of the premier locks in the competition — and now, officially, its most reliable tackler.
