Sharks lock Jason Jenkins says his return to the Republic after spells with Leinster and Munster was motivated by a desire to earn a Springbok recall.
Jenkins was 22 in 2018 when he earned his one Test cap in a 22-20 loss against Wales, Rassie Erasmus’ first match in charge of the Boks.
“I felt like it was the right time to come back home, I still have aspirations to play for the Springboks and I feel this is putting myself in the best possible position to do that,” Jenkins said when asked for the reason behind his return to South Africa after stints in Japan and Ireland.
“Being amongst the guys that are here, you are playing in a pack that has almost all played for the Boks. Just to be amongst them is beneficial to my game as an individual.”
The former Bulls forward became one of 10 Springbok capped forwards in the Sharks URC pack when he joined prior to the 2024 season. Jenkins is motivated to make his mark and use the competition to develop his game and make a return to international rugby.
“I must say its been awesome with the competition (for places), I knew that would be the case coming here,” he said.
“It’s so healthy for the environment, we are constantly pushing each other. We are all good mates but you are always fighting for that position and you want each other to do better for the sake of the squad.
“Its been good for me, I can learn a lot from someone like Eben along with the younger guys.”
Jenkins made it clear where he can make an impact on the pitch, bringing what he has learnt from his time abroad to both the set piece and open play.
“I just want to get more involved in games and get my hands on the ball, to get as many carries as possible, to be involved in the game and get into as many battles as possible.
“I see myself as a physical lock and an asset in the lineout, coming from overseas you learn different things in the way they do lineouts so its always nice to integrate and bounce ideas off the coach and help in that sense.”
Finding form has been tough for the powerhouse, with a string of injuries limiting his ability to gather any momentum on the field. Jenkins managed just one appearance for Munster after being hampered by injury, but standing at 2.03m and weighing in at 125kg, he is a huge asset to an already stacked Sharks pack, and potentially the Boks.
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
