Four Things You Didn't Know About: Leicester's New South African Kobus van Wyk

On Monday, Leicester Tigers confirmed the signing of South African outside back Kobus van Wyk from the Hurricanes.

The 28-year-old is currently playing for the Hurricanes in New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa after starting his career in at the Stormers and enjoying a stint at the Sharks.

We take a look at four things you may not know about the new addition to the Premiership:

1. Van Wyk has European experience

It may not be much experience in Europe but Kobus van Wyk spent five months at Top 14 club, Bordeaux. He joined the club in August 2016 as a medical joker to replace the injured Darly Domvo.

Despite not making an appearance for the side in the TOP14, he did he make his Champions Cup debut at the famed Stade Marcel Michelin against Clermont.

He was on the losing end of the result with Clermont ultimately going on to reach the final of the competition. 

2. He is a U20 World Cup Winner

In 2014, van Wyk was an injury replacement for the South African u20 side that went on to beat New Zealand in the final.

van Wyk started at outside centre in the final and was among the likes of Handre Pollard, Jan Serfontein, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Steven Kitshoff and Paul Willemse in the side. 


The final against New Zealand was the only game van Wyk played for the side during the competition.

3. He attended Paarl Gimnasium

Kobus van Wyk went to school at the famed Paarl Gimnasium in the Western Cape of South Africa.

The school has produced numerous top-flight players and Springboks including the likes of Schalk Burger, Handré Pollard, Ashley Johnson, Jean de Villiers and Kobus Wiese to name a few.

During his time at Paarl Gimnasium, he represented Western Province at Under-18 and 19 level. 

4. His incredible try scoring record for the Hurricanes

Van Wyk joined the Hurricanes ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season and has impressed in Wellington since his arrival.

He earned his Hurricanes' debut during the regular 2020 season where he scored a hattrick in the 62-15 thrashing of the Sunwolves.

During his time with the Hurricanes he has scored 7 tries in 7 appearances for the side.