Henco van Wyk is the latest rising star to be locked and reloaded by the Lions as they consolidate their squad for the future.
The Lions have recently confirmed the re-signings of crowd favourites Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Francke Horn, and securing the services of star centre Van Wyk will equally please their supporters.
Explosiveness and power locked in until 2027! 💥⚡#ForOurCity#LionsPride🦁 pic.twitter.com/SA8Zw5aDpr
— Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) February 11, 2025
Van Wyk, an explosive attacker and a lethal defender, has earned the nickname “Weapon X” after the Marvel character Wolverine and the American football player Brian Dawkins, who plays with a similar aggression.
The 23-year-old Van Wyk has already caught the eye of Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and has attended a Bok alignment camp. However, he has been unable to kick on his career because of a series of injuries.
If he can stay fit, it is a question of time before he gains national honours. He is mostly at home at No 13 and this is the one position where South Africa is not overly blessed with top-quality depth.
Van Wyk has the pedigree to go all the way — he was selected for the SA Schools Team in 2019 and in 2021 was named the Junior Springbok Player of the Year after starring for the national U20 side during their international series that year.
The sturdily-built product of Monument High said: “I’m really excited for what lies ahead with the Lions. A massive thank you (to the Lions) for the opportunity and belief in me to do what I love.”