Springboks: JD Schickerling rejected Japan’s push to pursue the ‘dream’: Planet Rugby

Stormers lock JD Schickerling has revealed that while it was only a matter of time before he qualified for Japan, it didn’t appeal to him as he is determined to represent the Springboks one day.

In the past, players such as Lappies Labuschagné, Wimpie van der Walt, Gerhard van den Heever and Shane Gates have represented the Brave Blossoms, but Schickerling revealed that while there were discussions about whether he would follow a similar path to reach Test level play, but he ultimately turned down the opportunity.

“I probably would have qualified for Japan in a year. It was on the table, but I could never imagine playing for Japan,” he said Network24.

“It will always be a dream to play for the Springboks”

“My heart has always belonged to South Africa and it will always be a dream to play for the Springboks one day.”

The 29-year-old initially represented the Stormers from 2016 to 2021 before moving to Japan, where he represented the Kobelco Kobe Steelers for two years before joining the Kubota Spears in 2023.

He is one of three new additions to the Stormers squad, along with two-time Rugby World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff in the front row, who also previously played for the Cape Town-based team, and experienced back row Dave Ewers, who was previously with Exeter Chiefs and Ulster.

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Schickerling was in action for the Stormers’ United Rugby Championship opening game against the Ospreys in Bridgend and although they suffered a 37-24 defeat, he performed well.

He started on the second row alongside Ruben van Heerden and although Schickerling ended up on the losing side, he enjoyed competing alongside his locking partner.

I like to play in both positions in the second row

“We both enjoy playing number four and number five,” he said.

“This makes the division of labor easier. Nowadays you do the same thing regardless of what blocking position you play. The only difference is that as the number five lock, you run the lineouts.

“In that regard, it’s nice to help each other out, especially because I also like giving lineout calls.

“If I think there is something somewhere that we can exploit, I can communicate it. So I think it works very well.”

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