Meet the sensational 20-year-old Springboks rugby sensation, Bathobele Hlekani, who’s taken the internet by storm! Known for his incredible size, strength, and potential, this young flanker has racked up a staggering 8 million views across social media.
Standing tall at 6ft 4in and tipping the scales at 18 stone, Hlekani isn’t just making waves in South Africa. He’s already been invited to train with the senior Springboks squad, hinting at a very bright future in the sport!
A recent RugbyPass video titled ‘Bathobele Hlekani is the next South African beast’ showcased his imposing physique and skills on the field, collecting 2.8 million views in just weeks. Not to be outdone, World Rugby’s clip of Junior Springboks, featuring Hlekani front and centre, has blown up with over 5.3 million views.
The buzz doesn’t stop there! Bathobele recently inked a deal with Johannesburg’s United Rugby Championship team, the Lions, following impressive showings in the U20s World Championships and as part of the Sharks’ Currie Cup victory. Unfortunately, an injury to Lions’ Izan Esterhuizen meant they wasted no time snapping up this powerhouse from their rivals.
While the Springboks are gearing up for The Rugby Championship, Hlekani, alongside fellow up-and-comers Cheswill Jooste and Haashim Pead, is soaking in the experience with the national team’s elite. And though head coach Rassie Erasmus insists there’s “no chance” they’ll play this year unless they absolutely wow in training, Bathobele and his mates now have a foot in the door and all eyes on them.
Keep an eye out for this rising star! 🌟🏉