Fans had their say in an intriguing poll conducted by the publication.
Leading South African rugby publications have suggested South African star Cameron Hanekom could switch his international allegiance to Wales.
Hanekom, 22, has been left out of the 34-player Springboks touring squad for the upcoming autumn internationals, despite his scintillating form for the Vodacom Bulls in the URC.
Rassie Erasmus has opted for Elrigh Louw and and Jasper Wiese as number eight options instead.
Renowned South African media publication SA Rugby Mag have asked the Springbok rugby public whether Hanekom should pack his bags and head for Wales. At the time of writing, 76% believe Hanekom should stay and wait for his call, with 24% saying he should join Warren Gatland’s squad.
A previous poll run by the media organisation saw 57% fans agree that Hanekom was the most unfortunate player to miss out on selection for the Autumn Nations Series.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White previously revealed to the BBC how he found out that Hanekom was Welsh-qualified. “I didn’t know until one of the BBC commentators told me at training!” he explained. “He said ‘Did you know this kid is Welsh qualified?’ and the next day I read in the paper he’s got a grandmother who qualifies him for the Welsh team.
“I think that’s a sign of the times. I don’t think it’s going to be the last time we get a player in South Africa that’s qualified for another country. Obviously, he’s a great talent. He was voted the best player in a U20s tournament a couple of years back.”
Separate publication ‘The South African’ have also asked the question whether Hanekom will ditch the ‘Boks for Wales. They wrote: “When the Springboks unveiled their latest squad for the end-of-year tour, the general consensus was that rising Bulls star Cameron Hanekom was the one uncapped player most unfortunate to miss out.
“What shouldn’t be forgotten is that Hanekom qualifies to play for Wales through his grandmother, who was born there, and apparently Welsh coach Warren Gatland has been keeping an eye on him.”
Bulls director White also previously stated that Hanekom is penned down until 2027. “There’s no way I’d release him from his contract. I’m planning like I’ll have him around for the next four seasons minimum, which coincides with the remainder of my tenure.
“It’s our job to ensure he’s looked after and enjoys his rugby here and doesn’t have aspirations to play for anyone else. It’s one of those things. I talk confidently that I don’t see him wanting to go and we certainly don’t want him to go. One season doesn’t make him, though, and I think he appreciates that.”
Gatland has reportedly been interested in recruiting the number eight for Wales, but at the age of just 22, it seems unlikely that he’d give up on representing South Africa in the near future.
