Former stormers says it’s a “great honour” to represent the USA after making his Test debut for the Eagles earlier this month.
Marno Redelinghuys says it’s a “great honour” to represent the USA after making his Test debut for the Eagles earlier this month.
The 32-year-old lock, who can also play in the back row, started in all three of the USA’s July internationals – against Belgium, Spain and England – after qualifying for his adopted country on residency.
“It’s incredible,” Redelinghuys told Netwerk24 from Houston, where he plays for the SaberCats in Major League Rugby. “First of all, I have to thank [head coach] Scott Lawrence for giving me the opportunity. It’s not just any guy who gets a chance like that – I’m really privileged.
“It was fun – like any other game you play in, at the end of the day you just have to make sure you do the basics right.”
Born in Klerksdorp, Redelinghuys played Varsity Cup rugby for NWU and Maties, famously scoring the winning try for NWU in the 2016 final against Maties. He won the tournament again with Maties in 2018.
Redelinghuys played provincial rugby for the Leopards and Western Province and made one Super Rugby appearance for the Stormers in 2019, before heading to the USA to join Rugby ATL.
“It was always my dream to represent the Springboks,” he said. “But when I arrived in America in 2019, my long-term goal was to play for the USA.
“I’m very proud of America – it’s my new home. It’s a great honour to be able to play for them.”
Klerksdorp-born Gideon Redelinghuys is a name that holds a special place in South African Varsity Cup history, not only for his consistency and work ethic but also for his uncanny ability to deliver in the big moments. A versatile forward known for his tenacity and game awareness, Redelinghuys made headlines in 2016 when he scored the winning try for North-West University (NWU) in a dramatic final against Stellenbosch University (Maties) — a moment still talked about in Potchefstroom rugby circles.
Reflecting on that match, Redelinghuys remains grounded: “It was fun – like any other game you play in, at the end of the day you just have to make sure you do the basics right.” That attitude exemplifies the character of a player who never shied away from hard work, whether in training or in high-pressure moments on the field.
