A world champion Junior Springbok is set to swap Durban for Joburg after the Currie Cup.
A world champion Junior Springbok is set to swap Durban for Joburg after the Currie Cup.
Utility forward Bathobele Hlekani was a standout performer in Italy as South Africa won the World U20 Championship for the first time since 2012.
He was also one of three Junior Boks – along with scrumhalf Haashim Pead and winger Cheswill Jooste – invited to train with the Springboks during their recent two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg.
The 20-year-old Hlekani played for the Sharks in last year’s Currie Cup and came off the bench in their European Challenge Cup round-of-16 clash against Lyon in April.
He is part of the Sharks’ 2025 Currie Cup squad but was rested for their opening match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
According to Planet Rugby, Hlekani will join the Lions ahead of the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season – bucking the recent trend of talent heading in the opposite direction.
It’s a major coup for the Lions, who have already secured Pead through to 2028 and signed exciting Grey College trio Ethan Adams, Sherwin Buys and David Hayidakis.
Having been a standout performer for the Junior Springboks during their recent World Rugby U20 Championship-winning campaign, the young star made a seamless transition into senior rugby. He has impressed both fans and coaches while representing the Sharks in the domestic Currie Cup competition, showcasing explosive athleticism, tactical awareness, and a maturity beyond his years.
According to sources close to the situation, the player’s decision to join the Lions was influenced by the promise of increased game time, a leadership role in the team’s long-term plans, and the opportunity to work under a coaching setup that has heavily emphasized development and fast-paced attacking rugby.
The move could also open doors for higher honours in the near future, with the Lions becoming an increasingly viable platform for Springbok selection thanks to their improved performances and focus on local talent.
While the Sharks will undoubtedly be disappointed to lose such a promising young talent, the transfer is a reminder of how fluid the South African rugby landscape has become as teams look to reshape their rosters with an eye on both performance and potential.
