Jordi Viljoen has Green and Gold blood running through his veins, but the scrum-half has stated that his international goals are with the All Blacks.
Jordi is the son of former Springbok scrum-half Joggie Viljoen jnr. and grandson of Joggie Viljoen snr., who also represented South Africa in the 1970s
However, the 20-year-old does not intend to continue his family’s heritage of playing for the Boks, preferring to wear the black jersey following a barnstorming Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Hurricanes.
Jordi, who was born in South Africa, was only a child when his family relocated to New Zealand, when his father joined Manawatu in 2007 after playing for the Hurricanes in 2000.
Viljoen, who represented New Zealand U20s at the U20 World Rugby Championship in year, was added to the Hurricanes’ larger roster for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and was a surprise starter in their opening game against the Western Force.
In his first game, he was given the starting jumper over All Blacks number nine Cam Roigard, who was on the bench and scored his first try for the team his father represented.
“I was filled with joy and happiness as I ran for the first time. Starting out, you never really expect that on your debut, and you’re simply grateful,” Viljoen told Radio New Zealand.
“Very meaningful for my family, especially because Dad plays for the same club. “Everyone stayed up late to watch the game, which made me very happy.”
After his first taste of Super Rugby, the halfback stated that he will not follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.
“100% “I would love to play for the All Blacks,” he stated.
It’s been a dream since moving here. To be honest, New Zealand has provided me with several opportunities for rugby as well as a safe and pleasant existence.
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Aaron Smith connection
Viljoen will face stiff competition to attract the attention of incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, with TJ Perenara and Roigard already on the Hurricanes’ roster.
However, he will be allowed to seek guidance from Aaron Smith, a family friend.
“I always had a really good family connection with Aaron Smith,” he said.
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Nineteen hours
“I was filled with joy and happiness as I ran for the first time. Starting out, you never really expect that on your debut, and you’re simply grateful,” Viljoen told Radio New Zealand.
“Very meaningful for my family, especially because Dad plays for the same club. “Everyone stayed up late to watch the game, which made me very happy.”After his first taste of Super Rugby, the halfback stated that he will not follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.
“100% “I would love to play for the All Blacks,” he stated.
“It’s been a dream since we moved here. To be honest, New Zealand has provided me with several opportunities for rugby as well as a safe and pleasant existence.
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Aaron Smith connection
Viljoen will face stiff competition to attract the attention of incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, with TJ Perenara and Roigard already on the Hurricanes’ roster.However, he will be allowed to seek guidance from Aaron Smith, a family friend.
“I always had a really good family connection with Aaron Smith,” he said.
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