Stormers flyer and Springbok hopeful Suleiman Hartzenberg is planning to put down a marker when the team face French giants Toulon in a Champions Cup clash in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Refreshed after the break for the international window, Hartzenberg will relish the opportunity to shine in front of a big crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kickoff 5.15pm).
In the Stormers’ first game after the break, they slumped to a narrow 21-15 defeat against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday. It was a frustrating outing for the Western Cape side, who looked to have secured a dramatic victory at the death before Manie Libbok’s try was disallowed because of a knock-on in a previous ruck.
Toulon will arrive in Gqeberha with their tails up after beating Perpignan 22-13 in a French Top 14 showdown on Saturday. It was a seventh win from 11 outings for the former European Champions, who are fourth on the Top 14 log with 32 points.
“I am excited to be back in action. The international break was a much-needed one, just to reset and go again,” Hartzenberg said. “The boys are super stoked and keen just to get stuck in, hopefully to make the fans smile again.”
Hartzenberg said training with Springboks Damian Willemse and Libbok, as well as veterans Ruhan Nel and Dan du Plessis, had helped his rapid development.
His rise has been meteoric since his debut in 2022. Equally at home on the wing or in midfield, the 21-year-old’s versatility has made him a vital asset in the backline. While he ultimately sees himself wearing the No 13 jersey, Hartzenberg is happy to slot in wherever the team needs him.
“I do see myself playing centre in the future. At the moment, the team needs me at wing,” he said. “So, I am happy to swing between the two and just see when the opportunity comes. I have to pick up that challenge and be versatile.
“It’s been amazing here at the Stormers. Everyone is happy to help you. If there are certain things in your game where you see that you can do a little bit better, they help you approach it differently. It’s been positive. The environment in the Stormers is about everyone helping each other and getting the best out of each other.”
While Hartzenberg aspires to play for the Springboks, the Diocesan College old boy is focused on delivering for the Stormers.
“It is something I strive towards. It’s a privilege to be in that set-up and to get that opportunity, especially at a young age,” he said. “For me, it’s about giving my best for the Stormers and seeing what happens.”
Beyond rugby, Hartzenberg is studying towards a BA in Humanities at the University of Cape Town, and his ambitions stretch into areas where he can make a difference off the field.
“There’s a lot of things. Maybe teaching or social work. I feel like I want to do something where I can make a positive impact,” he said.
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