South African Jordi Viljoen eyes All Black selection. Photo: Hurricanes Rugby/Twitter.
Former Springbok’s son: ‘I’d love to be an All Black 100%’
Scrumhalf Jordi Viljoen, whose father and grandfather played for the Springboks, has opened up about his dream of playing for the All Blacks.
South African Jordi Viljoen eyes All Black selection. Photo: Hurricanes Rugby/Twitter.
South African-born No 9 Jordi Viljoen, who has strong ties to Springbok rugby, has already played for his adopted country, New Zealand, at the World Rugby U20 Championship and now he eyes an All Black call-up.
Born in Pretoria, the now 20-year-old grew up in New Zealand following his family’s immigration to the Land of the Long White Cloud in 2006.
Viljoen’s grandfather Joachim Frederick Viljoen, fondly known as Joggie and his father, Joggie Jnr, both played for South Africa.
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Having starred for New Zealand at last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship, Viljoen made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Hurricanes against the Force last week and marked the momentous occasion with a try.
Having cracked the nod to start ahead of former All Black TJ Perenara, the 20-year-old credits New Zealand for providing opportunities and a secure lifestyle since the family’s move when he was a child.
“There was a lot of joy and happiness getting to run out for the first time, especially starting as well. You never really expect that on your debut,” Viljoen was quoted by Stuff.nz.
“I’m just super grateful and blessed to have the opportunity.’
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His father and grandfather both represented South Africa but Viljoen, who represented New Zealand at age-group level, is clear on his future ambitions.
He added: “100% I’d love to play for the All Blacks. It’s been a dream ever since moving here.
“New Zealand has given me a lot of opportunities in terms of rugby and living a safe and happy life to be honest.”
