From Grade 10 Bok fan to Test match wing: Hooker’s remarkable rise

Ethan Hooker, a 23-year-old wing for the Springboks, has had an extraordinary rise in rugby. Seven years ago, he was a Grade 10 student at Westville Boys High School watching the Springboks win the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Today, Hooker is starting on the wing against the All Blacks in Cape Town. Many of the players he watched lift the World Cup are now his team-mates.

Hooker has adapted quickly to his changing role in the game, transitioning from being a natural athlete at No 12 to becoming a wing specialist. He has had to develop skills he once disliked, particularly under the high ball, which is crucial for the Springboks' kicking game. Hooker's ability to play across the backline has made him a valuable member of the squad, and he is comfortable playing at multiple positions.

A shoulder dislocation required surgery threatened to derail his season, but he returned in 11 weeks, ahead of schedule, with the support of the Sharks' medical team. Hooker's mental battle was just as demanding as the physical rehabilitation. He has also faced personal challenges, including the loss of his father, which has brought him even closer to his family and the Springbok camp.

Despite these obstacles, Hooker continues to make the extraordinary seem almost ordinary, now an 11-Test Springbok who has just played against the All Blacks on one of rugby's biggest stages.