VIDEO: The door for a return to Ellis Park remains open
Springbok flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse will start training with his new team, the Sharks, next week - hoping to build on a foundation laid at the Lions, which earned him his first Test cap.
The talented youngster, who scaled every height at schoolboy level and continued that trajectory through the South African national age-group ranks, has rejoined his elder brother Jaden in Durban.
The former South African Schools and Junior Bok is looking forward to the big family reunion in the Shark Tank.
The 23-year-old said he always wanted to return 'home', where his family is - including fellow Springbok Jaden.
Having challenged himself to move away from the 'home comforts' and joined the Lions as a 19-year-old in 2021, he is now looking forward to the next chapter in a career carefully managed by Roc Nation Sports International.
Having last played alongside his brother at Glenwood High School in Durban, he is excited at resuming that 'partnership' when he starts training with the Sharks next week.
"I'm looking forward to starting that journey with him," he told @rugby365com.
The elder of the two Hendrikse brothers, Jaden, is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in a United Rugby Championship match against the Scarlets in Llanelli in April.
He is likely to return to action next month.
However, Jordan is fully fit and ready to go.
While still hoping for a Springbok call-up, he is just as keen to start his Sharks chapter.
"I just want to play," he said, adding: "After the excitement of my Springbok debut [in June] I haven't played.
"I just want to get back on the field and play.
"I'm looking forward to making my Sharks debut and playing alongside my brother."
(WATCH as one-cap Springbok Jordan Hendrikse sits down for a one-on-one with @king365ed about his move back to Durban....)
The Sharks' URC players will filter into the last three or four rounds of the Currie Cup.
Those will serve as 'warm-up games' for the international tournament.
Hendrikse was full of praise for the Lions and the opportunity they gave him to put his talent on display at Ellis Park for the last few years.
"If it wasn't for them, during that COVID period, giving me a contract and making my breakthrough at age 19," Hendrikse added.
"All credit to the coaches backing me, making me feel comfortable and allowing me to express myself."
He added that the door to a possible return to the Lions has not been closed.
"We never know where our paths will lead," he told @rugby365com, adding: "I am very grateful for what they have done.
"I'm looking forward to my new chapter, but I also want to show gratitude to the team where it all started."
@king365ed
@rugby365com