JUNGLE JOE: From Bok Glory to Toulon Legend

Joe van Niekerk’s rugby journey is the stuff of legend. Catapulted from South Africa’s U21 side straight into the Springbok squad in 2001, the dynamic loose forward quickly became a fan favorite for his explosive runs and fearless tackling. By 2002, he was crowned South African Player of the Year, a season that saw him score crucial tries in the Tri Nations and cement his reputation as one of the most gifted back-rowers of his generation.

In our latest Bok Dream Team podcast, Van Niekerk revisits defining moments of his career- from the infamous Kamp Staaldraad ahead of the 2003 World Cup, where players endured extreme military-style drills, to his love for breaking defensive lines. He shares candid stories about the physical demands of that era, including bare-knuckle boxing sessions between teammates, and reflects on memorable partnerships with stars like Percy Montgomery. 

The conversation also explores his golden years at Toulon, where Van Niekerk captained the French giants, made 122 appearances, and lifted back-to-back Heineken Cups in 2013 and 2014 alongside fellow Springbok greats like Bakkies Botha, Juan Smith, and Bryan Habana. Inducted into Toulon’s Hall of Fame in 2023, Van Niekerk looks back on those triumphs and the brotherhood that defined one of Europe’s most dominant club sides