MPUMZI MSHWESHWE
Breidbach’s Hendrikse brothers, Jaden and Jordan, have made history as the 36th Springbok sibling duo, fulfilling a dream deeply cherished by their late father, Brian Hendrikse.
A passionate rugby supporter and Eastern Cape sports administrator, Brian envisioned his sons playing together at the highest level, a milestone they achieved this past weekend at the conclusion of the Autumn Nations Series against Wales, which the Boks won 45-12.
Brian passed away in 2023, never witnessing his sons share the field even at the club level. However, his unwavering belief in their talent and relentless encouragement laid the foundation for their success.
“Their father used to say he would love to see them play 9 (scrumhalf) and 10 (flyhalf) together,” their uncle Jonathan Alexander said.
“Though they didn’t play those positions in school, they started doing so at provincial level. It’s something he would have loved to see.”
Raised in Breidbach, a rugby-loving community, Jaden and Jordan grew up surrounded by the sport.
Their father’s strict but supportive approach instilled discipline and passion. “He would wake them up at 5am to train. He knew what he was shaping in them,” Alexander said.
“You’ll still see them running up and down Breidbach, staying fit and focused,” Alexander said.
Their proud mother, Joleen Hendrikse, attributes their success to both God’s will and her late husband’s influence.
“Their father would be so proud. He wanted more than for them to just play rugby — he wanted them to represent their country,” she said.
Now teammates at the Sharks, as the Hendrikse brothers carry their father’s dream onto the international stage, they serve as an inspiration, not just to their family but to rugby fans across the nation.
