Source: Radio New Zealand
Jordi Viljoen of the Hurricanes scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 match between the Western Force and the Hurricanes at HBF Park in Perth, Friday, February 23, 2024. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright / www.photosport.nz) RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
While he is set to share halfback duties with one of the top number nines on the planet, Jordi Viljoen is not content with a spot on the bench.
The second generation Hurricane is looking to nip at the heels of incumbent and All Black Cam Roigard, who has rapidly risen to be regarded among the world’s best.
“I’m a competitive human and player, I want to be the best in the world as well. I don’t ever try and take a back seat, it’s in my nature to push everyone and I want to be the best in any team, it doesn’t matter who’s there.”
Viljoen said it was a privilege to compete with Roigard.
“If you are always trying to compete with the best, that’s going to accelerate your game and I don’t think there’s another halfback going around that you’d want to be alongside, learn from, or pick the brains of, he’s a great player and I’m lucky to have him here.”
However, should he get his chance, Viljoen is ready to prove his worth.
“I’m just trying to be the best version of myself, focus on what I can, and when there’s an opportunity, take it.”
Now in his third season of Super Rugby, the 22-year-old said he is feeling far more at home and finding his voice with the Hurricanes.
Jordi Viljoen of the Hurricanes is congratulated by Ruben Love after scoring a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 match between the Western Force and the Hurricanes at HBF Park in Perth, Friday, February 23, 2024. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright / www.photosport.nz) RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
“Time helps with that, so I definitely feel a lot more comfortable and I’ve been able to speak up at times.”
With the likes of Jordie Barrett returning to the capital, Viljoen said there was plenty of depth in the ranks.
“It’s like another coach going around, his presence on the field helps as well. It’s pretty fresh squad. Some new faces coming in, some returning, some international players coming over. New and returning coaches, it’s a fresh feeling and I think there’s really something special here.”
It was a special off-season for Viljoen, who got married during the Christmas break.
“It was just a small wedding. Both of our families are quite extended so we just wanted to have it nice and intimate, it was a perfect day for us.”
A third generation player, Viljoen’s connection to South Africa is well documented.
He is the son former Hurricanes and Springboks halfback Joggie Viljoen, who played for Manawatū in the mid-2000s when Jordi moved to Aotearoa.
With both his father and grandfather having played for the Boks, Viljoen is open to either a black or a green and gold jersey in the future.
“I’m just taking each year as it comes, trying to focus on the present and just allow those pathways to open and whatever’s meant to happen will happen.”
Jordi Viljoen of Manawatu celebrates winning the match. Auckland v Manawatu, Week 4 of the 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC domestic rugby union competition at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday 30 August 2023. Mandatory credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
A third generation halfback, Viljoen’s younger brother has bucked the family trend by not only playing first five, but signing with the Chiefs development side.
Jordi was hopeful though that Jamie would one day make the move to the ‘Canes.
“I’m just happy that he’s happy and he’s got an awesome opportunity there if the Chiefs and Taranaki, but never say never. Obviously the goal is to play together one day and that’ll be amazing, but I’m just happy that he’s got an opportunity and he’s going to really thrive there in that environment.”
After finishing fourth in the 2025 Super season, Viljoen believes the ‘Canes can go deep and win their first title since 2016.
“With the new faces here, and a lot of experience, I think we can definitely go all the way.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
