From schoolboy rugby to Italy Jason Hendricks takes his first international step
Hoërskool Birchleigh's Jason Hendricks in action on the field. The loose forward and inside centre has been selected for a 10-day rugby tour in Italy this October.
Image: Supplied
When 16-year-old Jason Hendricks first laced up his rugby boots in Grade 8, inspired by watching his father Kyle on the field, he couldn't have imagined that sport would soon carry him across continents.
Now in Grade 11 at Hoërskool Birchleigh, Jason is preparing to board a plane for his international tour - an unforgettable 10-day journey to Italy as part of the prestigious Danie Rossouw Rugby Tour.
"I was shocked," Jason said, as he recalled the moment he found out.
"Especially when I found out I was the only 16-year-old in my school to feature in an under-19 tour team for Italy. I am excited for the journey ahead."
Jason Hendricks, 16, shares a proud moment with his parents, Kyle and Lauren, after being selected for the Danie Rossouw Rugby Tour to Italy. The Hoërskool Birchleigh learner is following in his father's rugby footsteps
Image: Supplied
The tour, which runs from 6-15 October, will see Jason and his teammates play matches against local rugby clubs in Rovigo, Volpolicella, and Brescia. But it is not just rugby that awaits - Jason will also visit Venice, Verona and Milan, explore the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, and enjoy a day at Gardaland, one of Europe's top amusement parks.
"I am excited about Venice. I've heard that it is a beautiful city," he said. "I also cannot wait to try out their Italian food."
Jason hopes the trip will sharpen his rugby skills and broaden his worldview.
"I want to learn some Italian words and improve my game," he said. "It's my first time travelling overseas."
The selection came as a surprise to the Hendricks family, who learned the news through an announcement at school.
"We were proud and excited when we received the news about Jason's opportunity," said his mom, Lauren. "With Jason being chosen, we are happy that the Hendricks legacy will continue."
It is a legacy deeply rooted in South African rugby. His father played for the Emerging Springboks Sevens, represented the Valke Rugby Union in over 100 matches, and earned more than 50 caps with Vereeniging Rugby Club.
"From playing schoolboy rugby to provincial level and beyond - it's been a long road," Kyle said. "I am proud of Jason's achievement and hope that he can one day go further in his rugby career than I could have."
Jason currently plays both loose forward and inside centre for the Kempton Park Hoërskool Birchleigh's first team.
He never misses a Springbok game and counts Cheslin Kolbe among his role models.
His teachers and schoolmates have rallied behind him.
"All my friends and teachers congratulated me on a job well done and wished me all the best for the tour," said Jason.
The Hendricks family is now working with the school, their church, and relatives to raise funds for the trip, which costs over R36 000 excluding the visa, passport and spending money.
Contributions can be made directly to:
Beneficiary name: JC Hendricks
Bank: Capitec Bank
Account number: 231 099 3650
Branch Code: 470010
As the departure date approaches, Kyle offers his son the kind of advice only a seasoned sportsman - and a father - can give.
"My hope is that Jason does not lose himself," he said. "That he keeps his feet on the ground and stays humble in all that he does."
As a mother, Lauren shares in the pride and emotion of watching her son take flight.
"Truthfully, I have mixed emotions ranging from pride that he was chosen for this opportunity, excitement that he will be experiencing new sights, sounds and cultures and a bit apprehensive that he is leaving the nest at 16 for an unknown environment. However, I hope he has a blast and will cherish the experience for the rest of his life."
If all goes according to plan, Jason's Italian adventure may just be the first chapter in a long and promising rugby career
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Kwayiba and Cupido lead Bafana Bafana to a solid win against Mozambique
ASHLEY Cupido and Sinoxolo Kwayiba scored two second half goals as Bafana Bafana beat Mozambique in an International Friendly match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday. | BackpagePix As he'd promised, Broos gave every player he selected a chance to play and Chippa United's Kwayiba scored his first goal in national team colours and even walked away with the Player-of-the-match award. Not that coach Hugo Broos would have complained, the victory, better than what transpired at the same venue on Friday when Bafana drew goalless against Tanzania. South Africa's men's senior national team should have won the match by a much bigger margin such was their domination and numerous chances they created. SINOXOLO Kwayiba and Ashley Cupido scored second half goals that helped Bafana Bafana beat Mozambique 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night. His goal came three minutes after the break as he headed in a corner kick by Mohauu Nkota. Kwayiba could have scored a hat-trick actually as he incredulously side footed the ball way off target when Oswin Appolis set him up on 86 minutes. He'd also missed another on 21 minutes. Ashley Cupido made it 2-0 with his first goal for Bafana after ten appearances by just lobbing the ball into the open net after the Mozambique defence had given the ball away on the left side of their box. Nkota was again responsible for the assist. The match could well have been over as a contest by half time, such was the domination Bafana enjoyed and their ability to pierce the Mambas' defence open. The hosts had no less than seven shots on target at the break but they found Ivanne Urrubal in an uncompromising mood, the Mozambique goalkeeper playing a blinder. Relebohile Mofokeng could easily have had a first half hat-trick had it not been for the brilliance of the number one who plays his club football for Sombo in Mozambique. The Orlando Pirates star was in imperious form as he hovered around the top of the box, switching flanks and varying his attempts at goal – shooting from range, trying to dribble his way past defenders and getting into good position to receive passes. He had his initial chance on 17 minutes when he made a fantastic break to receive a through ball and watched in disbelief as Urrubal used his outstretched leg to block his low shot that was headed in. Later on the Mambas keeper stopped Mofokeng's shot from range but the young South African did not give up. Late in the half, he tested the keeper with a sweetly-struck high shot but Urrubbal was equal to the task, showing his agility to fling himself up and punch the ball away. There were chances for Kwayiba and Nkota on ten and 21 minutes respectively but Urrubal was uncompromising, ensuring the scores were level when the referee blew his whistle for the break Yet there was no way just one man was going to withstand such relentless pressure as what the goalkeeper endured and it was just a matter of time before Mozambique were breached. And it took just three minutes after the break for the resistance to crumble, Kwayiba heading in Nkota's corner almost unchallenged. The Pirates man could have made it 2-0 on 54 minutes but Urrubal again came to the Mambas' rescue with a good save pushing away Nkota's left-footed piledriver after he'd cut in from the right. Mozambique had one chance late on but Ricardo Leaner pulled off a fantastic save as Bafana left Broos smiling from ear to ear, confident that he now has a much larger pool of players to pick his squad from.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates eye AFCON U20 star Neo Rapoo
Orlando Pirates have officially approached SuperSport United to enquire about the availability of South Africa's latest teenage football sensation, Neo Rapoo. According to prominent football broadcaster and radio personality Karabo Phasha, the Soweto giants have already made contact with Rapoo's agent to explore a potential transfer. The Bucs' interest in the 19-year-old left-back comes hot on the heels of his standout performances at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Rapoo played a crucial role in helping the South African U20 squad secure the title and qualify for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Weeks before, Pirates reached out to his camp, setting the stage for what could be one of the most exciting transfers in the domestic market. Neo Rapoo isn't just hype, he's the real deal. Promoted to SuperSport United's senior team last season, he has made 15 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/2025 campaign. Showcasing both composure and flair on the left flank. Former SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt had already spotted his potential early on. He once remarked, 'One of the best left-backs in the country'. A prediction the young defender is quickly living up to. SuperSport United's current coach, Andre Arendse, couldn't hide his pride when speaking about Pirates target Rapoo's success at the AFCON tournament. 'Fantastic player, and I'm very happy for him. You know, we had a discussion that he's a key member of our squad. He did the job for me before he left,' Arendse said. 'It was important for him to go and realise his dreams. What he achieved in the tournament (AFCON) was fulfilling a dream, and I'm happy we played a part in that.' 'You know, we are a developing club. There's no doubt about that, and the proof is in letting players go to do bigger things. Shandre Campbell is another one who has come through the ranks. So we are very proud of that side of our club.' With Orlando Pirates making the first move, the question now is whether SuperSport United will hold onto their prized asset or let him take the next big step in his career. Will Orlando Pirates close the deal for Rapoo? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Forget Sixty60, Springboks' Pick n Pay kit has fans cringeing
The Springboks squad has been spotted for the first time in the new kit sponsored by Pick n Pay. Instead of their usual green and gold, the South African national rugby team is donning brighter shades boldly emblazoned with the retailer's name. But like their 'Checkers Sixty60'-inspired aqua jerseys, which debuted during the 2023 World Cup, many fans are not impressed with the new look. The Boks are gearing up to play their first match this year against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June. Over the past few weeks, Springbok players have gathered in preparation for the test match season, which kicks off later this month. The squad has begun intensive training, wearing their new training apparel. The new look design features a green jersey with bright yellow shorts. On social media, Springboks fans were not impressed… @iamkoshiek: 'Look at how they massacred our boys — out here looking like extras in Bollywood. Keep these bad jersey designs for the IPL.' @Capevoetsek: 'No amount of money can justify this @RizzleSimms : 'I take it back. The Checkers shirt isn't too bad'. @glewif2n: 'We're the world champions, and this is the best design on the table?!' Here's what others had to say.. Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced that Pick n Pay had signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor. The sponsor's logo is featured on all Springboks match-day jerseys and on the front of all training apparel. The retailer replaces MTN, which previously sponsored the Boks from 2017 up until last year. The brand's name will feature on the back of the jersey in gold above the position number and player name. According to reports, the major move will cost the supermarket group around R70 million per year. In March, the Blitzboks sported the new kit for their game against Uruguay. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
