Andries Bekker (born 5 December 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa) is a former South African rugby union player for the Springbok rugby team as well as Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Top League.
| Date of birth | 5 December 1983 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Goodwood, Cape Town, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 121 kg (267 lb)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Paul Roos Gymnasium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Hennie Bekker (father) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Professional rugby player | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing career
editBekker made his South African debut in 2008 against Wales in a 43–17 victory in Bloemfontein.[2]
At 6'11" he is one of the tallest international rugby players, but he only made the Springbok side regularly after the retirement of locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield. He is the son of former Springbok International Hennie Bekker who was also a lock.
Holding the record for being the tallest Springbok in history, Andries Bekker was an imposing figure in the DHL Stormers lineout. Despite his large physique, he is blessed with mobility and pace; aspects which have seen him become an integral part of the current Springbok squad. His experience and all-round ability was to be crucial to the success of a relatively young pack in 2010.
In 2013 Bekker agreed to a move to Japanese club Kobelco Steelers.[3] He announced his retirement in January 2018.[4]
Accolades
editBekker was a Vodacom Super 14 Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 2008.
References
edit- ^ a b "SA Rugby Player Profile – Andries Bekker". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- ^ "Andries Bekker". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
- ^ "Bekker quits WP for Japan". News24. 15 March 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
- ^ "Former Springbok Bekker: My biggest regret is not looking after my body". IOL. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
Sources
edit- Wildman, Rob (15 August 2008). "Tri-Nations: South Africa call on towering Andries Bekker's for New Zealand Test". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 17 August 2008. Retrieved 7 September 2008.
External links
edit- "SA Rugby Player Profile – Andries Bekker". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
- itsrugby.co.uk profile