Sharks star Jordan Hendrikse refocused on Springboks dream after ‘broken down’ season

Springbok and Sharks flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse has admitted that his body was completely knackered after back-to-back seasons of relentless rugby following his move to Durban.

The switch paid off in silverware — a Currie Cup title and a URC SA Shield triumph with the coastal side — but the physical toll eventually caught up with him in 2025.

His form dipped after a couple of injuries, including a bulged disc in his back, which ruled him out of the Springboks picture for the year. Losing rhythm at franchise level fed into his absence internationally, and that cold shoulder hit hard.

It was a tough, dark stretch where his confidence also took a knock, and he cut a frustrated figure on the outside as rookie Stormers flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu stepped up for the Boks in a fruitful experimental year for Rassie Erasmus’s world-conquering side.

For a competitor who sets himself high standards, watching from the sidelines was painful.

Overcoming that disappointment has been his mission this season, and he’s done so with several standout performances for the Sharks since returning from injury. Still, the flyhalf believes he has more to give to his franchise and that there is another level to reach if he wants to work his way back into the mix with the world champions.

“Those injuries are all God’s plan, and everything happens for a reason,” Hendrikse said in an exclusive interview with Independent Newspapers.

“My body was broken down, but that happens for a reason. For me, it was a sign of ‘listen, fix yourself up and get back into form’. I just had to take every game as it came and not worry too far ahead. I am glad that I am here now in terms of how I’m feeling and how my body is reacting to all the hard work I’ve put in after not being selected at the Sharks.

“All this credit must go to our medical team for looking after me and ensuring I got back to 100% to be ready to fire every Saturday.”

Time away proved invaluable. Rest, recovery and time with family brought clarity. Stepping back from the grind allowed his body to heal and his mind to reset. Slowly, the spark returned.

Back in Durban, he has been steady and composed, rebuilding confidence through commanding performances in the Sharks jersey recently. His game management looks sharper, his kicking more assured, and there is a calmness to his play that reflects lessons learned the hard way. He has returned more calculated, trusting his instincts and choosing his moments, with a few more tricks in his arsenal.

Encouraging words from Erasmus that highlighted the rich form of Jordan, and his brother (Jaden) have added belief, but Hendrikse understands that talk carries little weight without consistent action.

He showed his growth in back-to-back URC coastal derby victories over the Stormers recently, combining well alongside scrumhalf Jaden. But the 24-year-old knows everything starts with consistency, especially over the next few months as the URC turns toward the playoffs.

With big Tests looming in the Nations Championship in July and the Greatest Rivalry tour against New Zealand in August and September, he has one eye on 2026 Bok selection. Sharing that ambition with his brother only sharpens the motivation. For now, though, his attention remains fixed on the Sharks and staying on course under head coach JP Pietersen.

“Playing at the highest level is definitely still a goal. If you ask any player that question, their answer would be ‘definitely’. For us, the focus will be on each game going forward. We have a job to do (against the Lions and Bulls). After that, we will reassess where we are.

“All the other stuff will take care of itself. The main thing will stay the main thing with the fixtures ahead.”

Despite the injuries and time away from the game, the Roc Nation athlete says Durban has welcomed him with open arms since his move from the Lions at the end of the 2024 season.

He has been at the Sharks just over a year and a half but has slotted into the environment seamlessly. Hendrikse credits that to playing alongside his brother and reconnecting with several former Lions teammates who have also made the move to the coast in recent years.

Those players include the Tshituka brothers, Vincent and Manu, winger Edwill van der Merwe, and more recently, Gianni Lombard, who has committed to a move to KwaZulu-Natal.

“Having my brother there gave me a bit of insight into how things are. And then the players who played with me at the Lions. It was good to get their views because we were familiar with the Lions’ setup, and then we made the move to Durban. It made things easier.

“Then, we have that family environment here at the Sharks, and everyone has been welcoming. But it was also up to me how I would embrace everything, and I feel I’ve done that quite well. My time in Durban has been enjoyable so far.”