Jake White confirmed that rising star Cameron Hanekom has a long-term contract at the Vodacom Bulls and there are no indications the eighthman wants to leave the country.
The 21-year-old Hanekom has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, impressing in the early rounds of the Vodacom URC, where he has already clocked five starts and two tries.
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Powerful on attack and relentless in defence, his physical presence at breakdowns and set pieces makes him an enticing prospect. Qualified to represent Wales through a grandparent, it is believed that the former Junior Springbok might pique Gatland’s interest.
However, White has quickly snuffed out any hope Wales may have had of poaching one of South Africa’s best young talents, confirming that a long-term contract to keep Hanekom at Loftus Versfeld was already signed and sealed last season.
“He’s signed till 2027,” the Bulls’ director of rugby told the media in Pretoria.
“There’s no way I’d release him from his contract. I’m planning like I’ll have him around for the next four seasons minimum, which coincides with the remainder of my tenure.
“It’s our job to ensure he’s looked after and enjoys his rugby here and doesn’t have aspirations to play for anyone else. It’s one of those things.
“I talk confidently that I don’t see him wanting to go and we certainly don’t want him to go. One season doesn’t make him, though, and I think he appreciates that.”
On the back of a Champions Cup opening-round victory over three-time winners Saracens, the Vodacom Bulls are preparing for an away match against French side Lyon on Saturday.
While White is delighted with Hanekom’s performance against England No 8 Billy Vunipola, he said the youngster might be spared the long trip to France, as the Vodacom Bulls look to manage him through a vital stage in his development.
“Cameron is 21. All youngsters are the same. He needs to be managed on and off the field,” White said.
“He can’t play 80 minutes every week because of the age of his physical body. It’s a young body still that will get bigger and better. We’ll have to look how we manage that process.”
Photo: Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock