Van den Heever is along with Bryan Habana and Akona Ndungane the wings in the squad but he played most of his school rugby at fullback and in 2008 he was the Blue Bulls under 19 team’s outside centre.

Van den Heever set aside a few minutes to speak to the website.

Tell us about your early years

I was born in Bloemfontein and after enrolling at Grey College in grade one, my family and I moved to Pretoria where I attended Laerskool Hennopspark. I was in Hennopspark from grade two till standerd five.

What position did you play in Primary school?

During my junior years I played flyhalf, but at under 12 and under 13 level I played fullback.

What was it like attending Affies?

It was a great experience. It is difficult to describe, but I had wonderful schooldays.

Will Affies beat Grey College in 2009?

I think we have a good chance. The guys that are currently in matric were under 16 when I was in matric and they are a very strong group.

Did you play for the Blue Bulls at schoolboy level?

Yes, I played for the under 16’s at the Grant Khomo Week and in matric I played fullback for the Bulls’ Craven Week team.

Who was your hero at school?

Percy Montgomery and Pierre Spies. Percy played very well under Jake White and Pierre was in matric when I was in standard six. I have always had a great admiration for Pierre.

Apparently you were a great athlete?

I was a hurdler and I broke the SA under 18 record in my matric year. My time for the 110m hurdlers was 13.8 seconds.

Is it true that you are faster than Bryan Habana?

I don’t know. We haven’t had a chance to race but I will back myself against Bryan.

You were one of the standout players of the inaugural Varsity Cup. What was your experience of the competition?

I loved it. It is a superb competition because you are able to play all out attacking rugby and it is a great chance for youngsters to get noticed.

What is your involvement with 7’s?

Paul Treu included me in his SA 7’s group after the Varsity Cup and I was later selected for the SA Students and the Emerging Boks.

What was it like playing in a packed Loftus against a psyched-up Stormers team?

It was an amazing feeling. It was one of my dreams to play for the Bulls and although I was very nervous prior to the kick-off my nerves settled once the match got underway.

Did the seniors initiate you after your debut?

We don’t talk about it.

What is going to be your toughest match on tour?

All our games are hard. I think the Hurricanes are going to be extra tough and the last game on tour is always a test.

How do you relax?

Watching TV. I must admit that I watch "7de laan" on a regular basis.

What are you goals for the year?

It would like to keep my place in the Bulls’ squad en get as much game time as possible. Next year I would like to push for a place in the Springbok squad.



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