For JF van Heerden, the road to Loftus Versfeld began far from Pretoria, on the famous playing fields of Grey College, one of South African rugby’s great nurseries.
At just 22, the lock – better known to teammates simply as “Jeff” – has already built a reputation as one of the brightest young players coming through the Bulls system, blending Free State roots with a growing Loftus identity.
Despite his Bloemfontein upbringing, there was never any doubt which jersey Van Heerden would end up chasing.
“I was always a Bulls boy, which I got from my dad, he’s obviously a big Bulls supporter, so our household, except for my mom, was all Bulls supporters,” he said.
It meant his first taste of Loftus itself only came once he’d already pulled on the blue jersey.
“I never played at Loftus growing up; the first time was in 2024.”
That debut quickly produced a moment the big 2.01m lock will never forget, coming off the bench against the Stormers in a north-south derby.
“I played against the Stormers at a full Loftus with my school socks on, so that was quite special,” he recalled.
The Stormers derby has remained a personal favourite fixture ever since.
“Especially when you beat them.”
Facing the All Blacks at Loftus ranks right up there too, a game Van Heerden describes as “something on its own.”
Settling into the Bulls’ famously competitive lock stocks hasn’t fazed him.
“The Bulls is a union where there’s a lot of growth, especially at lock – there are always good locks,” he said. “I learned a lot, and it really helps as a young guy when you’re not just in the deep end by yourself.”
His rugby heroes trace a direct line through Loftus history.
“When I was growing up I really liked watching Pierre Spies, and when I got a bit older I enjoyed Duane Vermeulen and Ruan Nortjé.”
Away from rugby, Van Heerden remains deeply connected to his family’s farming operation, feedlotting lambs and cattle, a career he plans to return to once his playing days are done.
A handy opening bowler at junior provincial cricket level for Free State too, his focus today is firmly fixed on cementing his place in Bulls colours, with Loftus now very much home.
– The Bulls jersey is available at Puma.com, Puma retail stores, SportSA, Studio 88, Takealot, Totalsports and Sportsmans Warehouse at a recommended retail price of R1,099 (adult) and R999 (junior sizes).
The post ‘Jeff’ finds his home among Bulls appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
For JF van Heerden, the road to Loftus Versfeld began far from Pretoria, on the famous playing fields of Grey College.
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