JF van Heerden has signed his first senior professional contract with the Vodacom Bulls after an impressive 2023/24 debut season with the Tshwane-based outfit. The 20-year-old has signed a three-year deal which will see him call Loftus Versfeld his home until June 2027.
Van Heerden, a Grey College alumnus represented the Free State at Craven Week where he impressed and earned a call-up into the 2022 SA under-18 schools’ team as well as the under-18 team that was crowned victors in the subsequent International Series later in that year.
The imposing lock graduated into the Junior Boks setup where he has won 7 caps.
JF arrived at Loftus in 2023 where he slotted into the under-20 setup and made six appearances for the club before earning the invite to form part of the senior setup at the beginning of the 2023/24 season. The lanky forward has since made six further appearances across the Investec Champions Cup and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
“The club has a really good program that they are running and I have personally grown a lot in this program. I am excited to see what the next three years will do for me over the next three years,” said Van Heerden.
“There are a lot of good guys who are easy to work with and that is exciting. There is a few young guys whom I can relate to and we can go a long way with, that is exciting for me. There are also a few experienced guys who I can learn from.”
JF adds: “My biggest highlight so far was the victory over the Stormers, getting the opportunity to come off the bench in front of a full Loftus was quite special for me,”
“I am looking forward to getting better, settling in at the club and being a part of a squad that can go all the way and win the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.”