Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been spotted eating out and shopping with Junior Springbok star Batho Hlekani.
The pair both hail from Zwide in the Eastern Cape.
Hlekani, 20, was a revelation at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy where he played a pivotal role in helping the Junior Boks lift the title.
Hlekani was then invited to a training camp with the Springboks ahead of their upcoming Rugby Championship.
Big things are expected from the former Graeme College old boy who, like Kolisi, plays as a loose forward.
Tug-of-war
Meanwhile, the tug-of-war between the Sharks and the Lions over the services of Hlekani has reportedly been resolved.
Hlekani has been the subject of significant interest following his impressive displays.
The Durban franchise were naturally intent on keeping their prized loose forward under contract until the end of the year.
The Lions made a push to bring Hlekani into their squad sooner rather than later, a move prompted by the season-ending injury of flanker Izan Esterhuizen.
And they reportedly have got their wish with Hlekani set to move to Johannesburg at the end of the year.
His stellar performances earned him a place in the Sharks’ squad for the current Currie Cup season, making him an important asset as the team continues to challenge for silverware.
The Lions, seeking to boost their squad with youthful talent, have already made moves to strengthen their ranks with several Junior Boks and up-and-coming players, including Haashim Pead, Ethan Adams, and Sherwin Buys, among others.
Hlekani’s role in the Junior Boks’ World Championship victory was pivotal, especially as he captained the team in their final Pool A match against Scotland.
Do you believe Batho Hlekani will go on to play for the Springboks one day?
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