Former Border Bulldogs star prop Johannes Jonker is hoping to see his star continue to rise as he prepares for his second season of Super Rugby with the Lions this year.
Jonker is unfortunately not available for the Lions opening few matches, starting with the Sharks today, as he is carrying a calf injury and will still be out for a few more weeks but is still excited for what he is expecting to be a massive year for the union.
“The last two years we came short including on our home ground, so we are all looking forward to the start of the season against the Sharks,” said Jonker. It was a break-out 2017 for the 22-year old former Hudson Park High school student, as he was thrown straight into Super Rugby after playing Currie Cup first division for the Bulldogs two seasons ago.
He adapted to the sudden step-up superbly, featuring in a number of games before enjoying a solid inaugural Currie Cup campaign.
Jonker then enjoyed a surprise three-month stint in France after he was picked up by Montpellier as a medical joker (short-term replacement) due to an injury to former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis.
“The experience was great. I enjoyed my time there and managed to play quite a few games for them as well, so I had the time of my life over there,” Jonker said.
“The competition was great, the European Challenge and Top 14 are two completely different competitions, all high-level rugby like Super Rugby and I really enjoyed it.
“Funnily enough the coach in charge over there had seen me before playing for Border, so it was good to actually work with him.”
Playing in France will have been extremely beneficial to Jonker's game as it is very forward dominated. He also got the opportunity to line up alongside and against some of the best rugby talent in the world and he will now look to bring that experience back to SA.
“French rugby is obviously known for its close quarters play like your mauling, scrumming and pick and go's, so it is very physical and was a massive step up,” Jonker said.
“I arrived in France on a Tuesday and on the Friday the coach told me I was in the mix for the weekend and I started against the defending champions Cleremont so I was thrown right in.
“But I definitely learned a lot while I was there. Playing and learning from guys like Bismark and Jannie du Plessis was an honour and definitely helped improve my game.”
After a whirlwind year, Jonker will now hope to keep going from strength to strength but first up will be to get back into the mix once he recovers from his injury.
The competition for places at the Lions is very tough and he will need to impress the coach as soon as he gets back into training and take his first chance once he gets back on the park. “The competition here at the Lions is very strong, we have three tightheads, Ruan Dreyer is obviously the Springbok tighthead, then its Jacobie Adriaanse and then I am the youngster out of the three,” said Jonker.
“So my goal is to play Super Rugby and keep my place, I have personal goals that I want to achieve.
“Once I get back I will be pushing the guys ahead of me and hopefully bring the best out of them and then I will look to take my chance when it comes.”
Ex-Bulldog can run with the Lions
Jonker is unfortunately not available for the Lions opening few matches, starting with the Sharks today, as he is carrying a calf injury and will still be out for a few more weeks but is still excited for what he is expecting to be a massive year for the union.
“The last two years we came short including on our home ground, so we are all looking forward to the start of the season against the Sharks,” said Jonker. It was a break-out 2017 for the 22-year old former Hudson Park High school student, as he was thrown straight into Super Rugby after playing Currie Cup first division for the Bulldogs two seasons ago.
He adapted to the sudden step-up superbly, featuring in a number of games before enjoying a solid inaugural Currie Cup campaign.
Jonker then enjoyed a surprise three-month stint in France after he was picked up by Montpellier as a medical joker (short-term replacement) due to an injury to former Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis.
“The experience was great. I enjoyed my time there and managed to play quite a few games for them as well, so I had the time of my life over there,” Jonker said.
“The competition was great, the European Challenge and Top 14 are two completely different competitions, all high-level rugby like Super Rugby and I really enjoyed it.
“Funnily enough the coach in charge over there had seen me before playing for Border, so it was good to actually work with him.”
Playing in France will have been extremely beneficial to Jonker's game as it is very forward dominated. He also got the opportunity to line up alongside and against some of the best rugby talent in the world and he will now look to bring that experience back to SA.
“French rugby is obviously known for its close quarters play like your mauling, scrumming and pick and go's, so it is very physical and was a massive step up,” Jonker said.
“I arrived in France on a Tuesday and on the Friday the coach told me I was in the mix for the weekend and I started against the defending champions Cleremont so I was thrown right in.
“But I definitely learned a lot while I was there. Playing and learning from guys like Bismark and Jannie du Plessis was an honour and definitely helped improve my game.”
After a whirlwind year, Jonker will now hope to keep going from strength to strength but first up will be to get back into the mix once he recovers from his injury.
The competition for places at the Lions is very tough and he will need to impress the coach as soon as he gets back into training and take his first chance once he gets back on the park. “The competition here at the Lions is very strong, we have three tightheads, Ruan Dreyer is obviously the Springbok tighthead, then its Jacobie Adriaanse and then I am the youngster out of the three,” said Jonker.
“So my goal is to play Super Rugby and keep my place, I have personal goals that I want to achieve.
“Once I get back I will be pushing the guys ahead of me and hopefully bring the best out of them and then I will look to take my chance when it comes.”
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