Andries Bekker

Andries Bekker (born 5 December 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa) is a South African rugby union player for the Springbok rugby team as well as Kobelco Steelers in the Japanese Top League.

Andries Bekker
Date of birth (1983-12-05) 5 December 1983
Place of birthGoodwood, Cape Town, South Africa
Height2.08 m (6 ft 10 in)[1]
Weight121 kg (19 st 1 lb)[1]
SchoolPaul Roos Gymnasium
UniversityUniversity of South Africa
Notable relative(s)Hennie Bekker (father)
Occupation(s)Professional rugby player
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2004–2012
2013–2018		 Western Province
Kobelco Steelers		 38
42		 (60)
(70)
Correct as of 15 January 2017
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2005–2013 Stormers 104 (75)
Correct as of 02 June 2013
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2012 South Africa 29 (5)
Correct as of 14 April 2013

Playing career

Bekker 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

Bekker was a Vodacom Super 14 Rugby Player of the Year nominee in 2008.

References
  1. "SA Rugby Player Profile – Andries Bekker". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  2. "Andries Bekker". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  3. "Bekker quits WP for Japan". News24. 15 March 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  4. "Former Springbok Bekker: My biggest regret is not looking after my body". IOL. 9 March 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2020.

Sources


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