Jacques van Rooyen, born on 24 October 1986 in Pretoria, South Africa, is a powerful and experienced South African rugby player. He primarily plays as a looshead prop and currently represents the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Blue Bulls in domestic competitions.
Van Rooyen's rugby career began later than most professionals, as he signed his first professional contract with the Lions in 2013. However, he quickly made a name for himself and became a mainstay among the front rowers. His physical presence and skill set made him an asset to his team.
Before his professional career, van Rooyen had a successful stint in the Varsity Cup, representing the Tshwane University of Technology side from 2008 to 2011. He also excelled for the Pretoria Police Rugby Club, earning the affectionate nickname "the Policeman." He participated in the inaugural Community Cup tournament with the club.
Van Rooyen's transition to Super Rugby was seamless, and he made his debut in the 2014 season for the Lions. He played a significant role in the team's success, including their three Super Rugby finals appearances. During the 2017 season, he solidified his position as a starting prop and represented the Lions in all 17 matches as they topped the standings and reached the final.
In 2018, van Rooyen made the decision to join Bath for the 2018/19 season. He brought his experience and 49 Super Rugby caps to the English club, providing them with depth and versatility on either side of the scrum. After a season with Bath, he moved to Japanese club Docomo Red Hurricanes, where he continued to ply his trade.
In July 2020, van Rooyen made a return to South Africa by signing with the Bulls, joining their domestic and Super Rugby campaigns. His experience, physicality, and ability to play on both sides of the scrum make him a valuable asset to his team.
Standing at 1.86m (6 ft 1 in) and weighing 122 kg (269 lb), van Rooyen possesses the size, strength, and technical prowess necessary to excel in the demanding position of prop. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, he contributes to the Bulls and Blue Bulls' success, providing stability and dominance in the scrums.
As van Rooyen continues to make his mark on the rugby field, his contributions and professionalism will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the teams he represents.
KG(20/05/2023)
Career
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Blue Bulls Loosehead Prop |
2020 - present |
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Bulls Loosehead Prop |
2020 - present |
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Hoërskool Pretoria-Noord Loosehead Prop |
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Pretoria Police Rugby Club Loosehead Prop |
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Barbarians Tighthead Prop |
2017 - 2017 |
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Golden Lions Tighthead Prop |
2013 - 2018 |
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Lions Loosehead Prop |
2014 - 2018 |
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Bath Rugby Loosehead Prop |
2018 - 2019 |
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NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes Osaka Tighthead Prop |
2020 - 2020 |
