At just 22 years old, Cameron Hanekom has become a key figure in the Vodacom Bulls’ URC engine room. Known for his explosive carries, high tackle rate, and tireless motor, Hanekom has emerged as one of South African rugby’s brightest young talents.
Heading into a massive encounter with Glasgow Warriors – the team that denied the Bulls in last year’s URC final – Hanekom isn’t fazed. In fact, he’s quietly confident, thanks to one key ingredient: preparation.
“For me, detail is everything,” Hanekom told Renaldo Bothma. “Studying how they play, what their players do in different parts of the field – it gives me confidence. I can’t predict everything, but I go in with a picture of what they might bring.”
And when the whistle blows, his faith lies in the men around him.
“If I know the guy next to me has got my back, I can go in flat out. That gives me a lot of mental peace.”
Learning, Adapting, Dominating
Hanekom admitted that the Edinburgh game two weeks ago was a learning curve. “It felt like there were four guys on me every time I got the ball,” he laughed. “But you learn – maybe you shift the contact point, maybe you pop a pass, maybe you fight harder through the tackle.”
Against Munster, with more space and better positioning, he made it count – racking up carries and putting in a huge defensive shift.
On the 4G surface they’ll face in Glasgow, Hanekom is pragmatic.
“Look, I prefer grass. But the 4G pitch is what it is. You feel a bit more explosive on it, but I try not to overthink it. Focus on what I can control.”
Big Stage, Bright Future
This weekend’s game could be one of the biggest in Hanekom’s young career – a shot at payback, a chance to help secure a home semi-final, and an opportunity to test himself against the URC’s best.
With seasoned warriors like Coetzee alongside him, Hanekom is thriving. But make no mistake – he’s not just following the veterans. He’s forging his own path, with precision and purpose.
“I’m still learning every week,” he said. “But I back my work rate and detail. That’s what helps me step up.”
And step up he will – when the Bulls charge into Glasgow this weekend, expect Cameron Hanekom to be at the heart of the action.
