Explore the life and background of Gerhard Steenekamp, delving into his biography

Explore the life and background of Gerhard Steenekamp, delving into his biography

Lenah Ann
February 19, 2024 at 11:47 AM

Gerhard Steenekamp is a talented South African rugby union player who plays as a loosehead prop for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. In the past few seasons, his fame has skyrocketed, and in doing so, he has progressed through the ranks to represent his country on the international stage. His efforts for his club and nation demonstrate his passion and commitment to the sport.

Gerhard Steenkamp during a trianing session
Gerhard Steenekamp during a training session. Photo: @aplenorugby (Modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Table of Сontents:

Starting his career in high school to representing his country internationally, the renowned rugby player has come a long way and has honed valuable experience and exposure. With his size, strength, confidence, belief and skills, he poses a formidable presence on the field as a prop. Here is everything you need to know about the renowned Springboks rugby player.

Gerhard Steenekamp's profile summary

Full name

Gerhardus Cornelis Steenekamp

Date of birth

9 April 1997

Age

26 (as of February 2024)

Place of birth

Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Ethnicity

White

Height

6 feet 4.5 inches or 194 centimetres

Weight

282 pounds or 128 kilograms

Hair colour

Brown

Eye colour

Dark brown

Relationship status

Single

Education

Potchefstroom Gimnasium High School

Occupation

Professional rugby player

Position

Loosehead prop

Current team

Bulls, Blue Bulls

Net worth

$1 million - $5 million

Gerhard Steenekamp's biography

The South African rugby union player Gerhard Steenekamp (age 26 as of February 2024) was born on 9 April 1997 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Although famous, he has kept most of his personal life private; thus, little is known regarding his parents and siblings. The renowned prop attended Potchefstroom Gimnasium High School, where he captained the rugby team.

Gerhard Steenekamp's career

The famous Springboks rugby prop began his career at Potchefstroom Gimnasium, where he represented the Leopards at several youth competitions, showcasing his abilities and prowess. Afterwards, he joined the Blue Bulls, attracting selectors' interest and contributing significantly to their under-19 squad.

The famous rugby player, Gerhard Steenekamp
Top 5 facts about Gerhard Steenekamp. Photo: @aplenorugby/Twitter (Modified by author)
Source: Original

Due to his potential, he was included in the Bulls' wider training squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season. He was also chosen for the South Africa Under-20 national squad for the U20 World Championship, demonstrating the fruit of his devotion and diligence.

The renowned player signed a 2-year contract in August 2017 to stay in Pretoria until at least 2019. He debuted his Super Rugby career in a match against the Stormers in February 2020. Since then, he has represented the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship.

Gerhard Steenekamp's career stats

According to All.Rugby, the renowned Springboks rugby prop has made 65 appearances in his entire career: 64 for his club and 1 for his nation. He has 2 tries and 10 points, with 40 wins and 25 losses in all competitions.

In the 2023/24 season, he has made 12 appearances in all competitions: 11 for his club and 1 for South Africa. He has averaged 0.1 tries and 0.4 points per game in all competitions since the season began and has 9 wins and 3 losses.

Where does Gerhard Steenekamp play?

As of 2024, Gerhard Steenekamp's club is the Vodacom Bulls, the Blue Bulls and the South African rugby national team. Due to his incredible performance showcased on the pitch for his various teams, he is regarded as one of the fastest-rising stars in rugby.

Gerhard Steenekamp's awards and achievements

Gerhard Steenekamp (Blue) at the Emirates Airlines Park
Gerhard Steenekamp (Blue) at the Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg on 7 November 2020. Photo: Christiaan Kotze (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

As a rising South African rugby star, the renowned legend has bagged numerous awards and honours representing his club and nation. Here are some of his awards and achievements since he made his debut.

  • Vodacom Bulls Vodacom United Rugby Championship Player of the Year: 2022/23
  • United Rugby Championship runner-up 2021/22
  • Currie Cup winner 2021
  • Pro14 Rainbow Cup runner-up 2021

Is Gerhard Steenekamp married?

Since the renowned Springboks prop has kept most details about him away from the public eye, little is known regarding his relationship status. However, reports show he is single and has never been married.

Gerhard Steenekamp's net worth

The South African star has amassed quite a fortune in his successful sporting career. According to various online sources such as Celebs Age Wiki, he has an alleged net worth of between $1 million and $5 million as of February 2024.

Gerhard Steenkamp poses with a friend
Gerhard Steenekamp poses with a friend. Photo: @noruggafans (Modified by author)
Source: Twitter

Like most athletes, he primarily made most of his income through his club salary and South Africa Rugby Union salary, alongside brand endorsements and sponsorship deals.

Gerhard Steenekamp's contract

In the latest news, Gerhard Steenekamp and his teammates, Zak Burger and Bernard van der Linde, have committed to the Bulls by signing contract extensions to 2026. Here is what the Tshwane-based director of rugby, Jake White, said,

It is exciting to have secured Gerhard, Zak and Bernard for a few more years at the Vodacom Bulls. They have been important members of our squad, and by committing for another three to four years is important for us in terms of continuity and retaining the core of the squad as we work towards building a successful team for the coming years.

Frequently asked questions

The renowned South African legend has the athletic skills to thrive under pressure. His career path combines natural skills, unwavering hard work, and passion for the game. Here are the frequently asked questions about him.

What is Gerhard Steenekamp's height and weight?

The renowned Vodacom Bulls' prop is 6 feet 4.5 inches or 194 centimetres tall and weighs 282 pounds or 128 kilograms. He has brown hair and dark brown eyes.

What is Gerhard Steenekamp's nationality and ethnicity?

The famous Springboks player is a South African national of a white ethnic background. He was born and raised in the nation.

Who is the South African rugby player of the century?

Robert James du Preez is South Africa's rugby player of the 20th century. He was bestowed the honour by rugby fans, a testament to their respect for him.

Who is the most famous South African rugby player?

The former Springboks legend Bryan Gary Habana is the most famous South African rugby player. He played mainly as a winger and went down in history as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.

Who won the Sevens tournament in South Africa?

Argentina defeated Australia in the final to win the men's title and their first South African championship. Australia defeated France in the final to win the women's tournament and their first-ever championship in South Africa.

Final word

Gerhard Steenekamp is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. His promising career displays his ability to advance and succeed in the rugby world. As he continues to refine his talents and make meaningful contributions to his various teams, there is no doubt that he will be a player to watch in the future.

READ ALSO: The remarkable life story of Ifeoma Onumonu, the Super Falcon's forward

Sports Brief published an article detailing the remarkable life story of Ifeoma Onumonu, the Super Falcon's forward. Ifeoma Onumonu is an American-Nigerian female professional football player who plays for the Nigeria women's national team and Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

She has played for several clubs in the United States and has won numerous awards as a striker. She was among the Super Falcons' players to watch in the 2023 Women's FIFA World Cup in Australia. Click on the link above to find more details about Ifeoma Onumonu.

Authors
Lenah Ann photo
Lenah Ann
Lenah Ann is a Kenyan-based content creator with 2 years of experience. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Media and Communication from Dedan Kimathi, Kenya in 2021.