'This is massive for me': Hendrikse opens up on green and gold role

SPOTLIGHT: The call from coach Neil Powell was fairly unexpected and the reason for the call was mind-blowing for the 20-year-old Jordan Hendrikse, but the request by the Springbok Sevens coach to join the BlitzBoks in London has had the talented flyhalf buzzing with excitement.

Hendrikse has already had a few team training sessions and his excitement has been ‘through the roof'.

Come Twickenham on Saturday and Sunday, Hendrikse will don the BlitzBoks jersey for the very first time - a challenge he cannot wait to confront after joining the team in London from Wales, where the Lions completed their United Rugby Championship campaign against the Dragons in Newport last Saturday.

"I last played Sevens at school, so was surprised to get that request from coach Neil. What a great feeling this is, and I am still processing it," Hendrikse said on Wednesday.

"There are so many emotions, but nervous and excited are definitely two of them," he said with a broad smile.

The former Junior Bok said although his sights were not necessarily set on the BlitzBoks jersey, the honour was massive, and that it would be a huge moment for him to represent his country.

"I already experienced the bond the guys have as a team and it is clear they are a family, so being part of this is incredibly special for me," he said.

"The goal and aspirations were always to play for my country and to wear the green and gold in rugby, so this is massive for me.

"I was already getting ready to travel back to South Africa when the call came, so my mind shift changed quickly. I am always up for a challenge and I’m looking forward to this weekend with some nervous anticipation."

Hendrikse said the information received from the training sessions were clear and detailed.

"I just need to make sure that I get on the same page as the guys, and the session today [Wednesday] was full of detail, so I could take it all in," said Hendrikse. "The main challenge for me is to adapt, but as I said, I love a challenge, so I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with this squad and doing so in the green and gold will just add that bit extra.”