For Henco van Wyk, the road to the top hasn't been a straight line — it’s been a gauntlet of grit, recovery, and unshakable faith. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Call it unshakable faith, manifest destiny, or an irrepressible dream, but Henco van Wyk holds a singular belief: one day, if chosen by the powers that be, he will become a Springbok.
The powerful Lions centre, who has long carried the moniker of "Weapon-X," has been hailed by many as a future Bok in waiting. These are not mere whispers in polite company or murmurs in shadowed conversations; they are outright proclamations that it is only a matter of time before the 24-year-old displays his explosive skills in green and gold.
Many would argue that it should have happened already, were it not for the devastating injuries that have hampered his ascent. It seems, however, that every time the Hoërskool Monument-alum has begun to build a noteworthy "purple patch," ill fortune has stuck.
It was during those darkest hours — specifically the repeated knee injuries in 2023 and 2024 that eventually required surgery — that Van Wyk clung wholeheartedly to his dream and his faith.
“My dream kept me going,” Van Wyk said, on Thursday at Johannesburg Stadium, after the Lions completed training for their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Dragons.
“I want to become a Bok. That is a big thing for me and has been the drive behind the setbacks. They were quite big setbacks."
“To hold onto my dream and to work hard, that keeps me believing. God gave us each a talent, and I must make the best of what was given to me in the time afforded to me before I get too old to play rugby.”
“I won’t say you have seen the best of me yet,” Van Wyk added, “but I am definitely working hard to improve myself every day and, hopefully, I can improve every week. Hopefully, people can see that.”
Van Wyk has enjoyed a solid run of gametime this season, featuring in 11 of the 13 URC games thus far. His input has been instrumental in the Lions securing their first-ever URC SA Shield, while simultaneously driving the Joburgers toward a Top 8 finish.
Currently seventh in the standings, a run of three more home fixtures could secure the Lions their first-ever play-off berth in the tournament.
To date, Van Wyk has made 13 line-breaks — the 10th most in the competition — while beating 31 defenders and gaining 420m from 78 carries. He has been equally diligent in defence, making 69 tackles while acting as the Lions’ defensive general — a role mentored by former Springbok legend Jaque Fourie.
Alongside flyhalf Chris Smith, he has begun forming a formidable understanding with midfield partner Bronson Mills, who remains under scrutiny regarding an alleged assault case in Cape Town.
“Bronson is a very exciting player,” said Van Wyk.
“He can play 10 and 12 and is very skillful. It keeps defenders guessing and makes my job a little easier. They have to look at him first before they can concentrate on me.
"It is very exciting to grow with him. We link up quite nicely.”
That synergy will be invaluable on Saturday at Ellis Park (kick-off 4.30pm) against the Dragons. While the Lions recently hammered Edinburgh, the Welsh outfit put in a gritty display against the Stormers, and Van Wyk knows there is no room for complacency.
“The Dragons are a very physical team,” Van Wyk said.
“We saw that in our review of their games and we saw it last week against the Stormers. They don't lose by big margins.”