Scrumhalf Jordi Viljoen, whose father and grandfather played for the Springboks, has spoken out about his desire to play for the All Blacks.
South African-born No. 9 Jordi Viljoen, who has strong ties to Springbok rugby, has previously represented his adopted country, New Zealand, at the World Rugby U20 Championship and is now hoping for an All Black call-up.
Born in Pretoria, the now-20-year-old grew up in New Zealand after his family moved to the Land of the Long White Cloud in 2006.
Viljoen’s grandpa, Joachim Frederick Viljoen, affectionately known as Joggie, and father, Joggie Jnr, both played for South Africa.
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Viljoen, who shined for New Zealand in last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship, made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Hurricanes against the Force last week and scored a try.
After beating former All Black TJ Perenara to the starting spot, the 20-year-old thanks New Zealand with offering opportunities and a safe lifestyle since his family relocated there as a child.
“There was a lot of delight and happiness in running out for the first time, especially at the start. “You never really expect that on your debut,” Viljoen told Stuff.nz.
“I’m just extremely grateful and blessed to have this opportunity.”
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His father and grandparents both represented South Africa, but Viljoen, who represented New Zealand at the age group level, is definite about his future goals.
He added: “100%” I would love to play for the All Blacks. It’s been a dream since we moved here.
“New Zealand has given me a lot of opportunities in terms of rugby and living a safe and happy life to be honest
Joachim Frederick “Joggie” Viljoen, a former Springbok scrumhalf and star of Griqualand West, is in action for South Africa. Photo: SA Rugby website..”
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