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

Sharks pivot Jordan Hendrikse has been outstanding in the last couple of matches for the Sharks and is on the path to regain the form that made him a Springbok. Springbok and Sharksflyhalf Jordan Hendriksehas 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 titleand 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.

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

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