| Tjoepie van den Heever made his Super 12 debut with the Stormers in 2002 (vs Sharks) after the departure of Springbok Charl Marais.
Haling from the Border Bulldogs in the Eastern Cape, this hooker added plenty of skill and strength to the tight five as they surged to a mid-table finish.
His robust play and strong scrummaging earned him quite a reputation, particularly on their overseas tour.
In September 2004, the WP hooker has been released from his contract and left to play for Perpignan in France. This quick decision was made after the French club’s hooker suffered a serious neck injury. A request was subsequently made to WP Rugby for the immediate release of Van Den Heever.
Tjoepie had not been offered a 2005 contract with WP and was released as the request represented a further opportunity for the player.
Summary:
2002 WP Bankfin Currie Cup Sqd as Hooker.
WP Debut: 2002 vs Pumas
WP Caps: 19
WP Points: 5 (1 Try)
Stormers Debut: 2002 vs Sharks
Stormers Caps: 23 |