Cape Town – In the shadows of Table Mountain, beneath the thunderous roar of the South Easter and the even louder roar of a packed DHL Stadium, a dream long forged in blood, sweat, and scrum will come alive for Ruben van Heerden.
The rugged Stormers lock, moulded in South African fire and hardened in URC battles, is donning the black and white of the Barbarians this Saturday in a gladiatorial clash against the Springboks — the very team he hopes to one day call his own.
“It’s a massive opportunity,” Van Heerden says, his eyes glinting like a lock eyeing a gap in the maul. “Playing for the Barbarians is something I’ve always hoped to do. You have to be invited — it’s a real honour.”
Barbarians: Where legends gather
This isn’t just any run-of-the-mill fixture. It’s a once-in-a-generation showdown. For the first time ever, the Barbarians — that wandering band of international warriors — will challenge the Springboks on South African soil. And in their ranks? A who’s who of global rugby royalty.
The BaaBaas will be led by Irish icon Peter O’Mahony, whose beard alone looks like it’s won more Test caps than most players. Joining him are hard-charging All Blacks like Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Tawera Kerr Barlow and Sam Whitelock, now transitioning into coaching boots. For Van Heerden, it’s been a crash course in elite rugby IQ.
“It’s been great rubbing shoulders with legends,” Van Heerden says. “You realise these guys — O’Mahony, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell — they’re human too. I’ve learned so much just being around them.”
But this isn’t a holiday camp. It’s a trial by fire. And Van Heerden, never one to shy away from the hard graft, knows that this is more than a match — it’s an audition.
“I’m really going to try and knock down that Springbok door,” he says with a steely determination that could bend steel beams. “There’s so much depth at lock in South Africa. But some of those guys are heading toward the twilight of their careers. I’m 27. I believe my time is coming.”
The door is ajar
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, who has long kept an eye on local enforcers with untapped potential, believes Saturday is a proving ground for Van Heerden.
“Ruben’s selection for the Barbarians gives him the perfect stage,” Erasmus says. “He’s an uncompromising, physical player. This is his chance to measure himself against the very best — and against the jersey he wants to wear. That kind of fire is what we’re looking for.”
The former Junior Bok hasn’t always had a clear path. He’s wandered through tough terrain, been in and out of Bok alignment camps, and faced fierce competition in a position thick with talent. But now, as seasoned locks age like oak barrels, the winds of opportunity are shifting. Saturday’s game could be the gust that blows the Springbok door wide open.
Chosen by Deans
Barbarians coach Robbie Deans, a man whose rugby résumé reads like a masterclass syllabus, didn’t pick Van Heerden by accident.
“We needed physicality and work ethic up front,” Deans explains. “Ruben brings both — and more. He’s aggressive, disciplined, and constantly improving. A coach’s dream.”
Van Heerden, humbled by the praise, is soaking it all in.
“To have someone like Robbie say that — it means the world to me,” he says. “I’ve really tried to learn from him. I’d love to get into coaching one day, so I’ve been picking his brain when I can. His rugby mind is something else.”
Saturday’s script: A lock with a pen
At 27, Van Heerden is no rookie. But he’s not yet reached his final form. The Barbarians jersey may be black and white, but his future still shimmers with Bok green and gold. And while others play for legacy, Van Heerden is playing for possibility.
“It’s an honour, but also a challenge,” he says. “I’ll give everything I’ve got. At the end of the day, that’s all I can do.”
Come Saturday, amid the clash of titans and the prestige and nostalgia of rugby’s oldest invitation, Van Heerden will write his verse. And who knows? If the rugby gods are listening, his next chapter might just be in the green and gold colours of his dreams.
Teams:
Barbarians: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 David Ribbans, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Camille Chat, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Will Collier, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Santiago Arata, 22 Joe Marchant, 23 Lachlan Boshier.
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Date: Saturday, June 28
Venue: Cape Town Stadium
Kick-off: 17.10 (15.10 GMT)
Expected weather: Cloudy with a high of 13°C, dropping to 12°C.
Referee: AJ Jacobs
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison and Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Egon Seconds
