Former Kubota Spears lock JD Schickerling has revealed that he left Japan to move back to URC outfit the Stormers to chase his dream of representing the Springboks.
Schickerling, 29, moved to Japan in 2021 and spent three seasons at Kobe Steelers before spending a year at South African-laden Kubota Spears.
The 203cm, 121kg lock, who scored three tries in 13 appearances for Kubota last season, represented South Africa 'A' in 2016 during a two-match series against a touring England Saxons.
“I would probably have qualified for Japan in a year. It was on the table, but I could never envisage playing for Japan,” Schickerling, who was part of a Springboks training camp in 2018, told South African news outlet Netwerk24.
“My heart was always in South Africa and it will always remain a dream to play for the Springboks one day.”
The powerhouse made a try-scoring URC debut for the Stormers in their 37-24 defeat to the Ospreys in Bridgend last Saturday in the second round of the competition.
The Calvinia, Northern Cape native - whose career was in jeopardy after he broke his neck at the age of 19 in a Under-21 clash for the Stormers against the Blue Bulls in 2014 - was registered as a Category B player in Japan last season.
Category B status means a player is uncapped and has the possibility to qualify to play for Japan in the future.
Schickerling would have moved to Category A and been eligible for Japan during the 2024-2025 season and could have followed in the footsteps of South Africa-born Lappies Labuschagné, Gerhard van den Heever, Shane Gates and Wimpie van der Walt who all played for the Brave Blossoms after qualifying on residency grounds.
"It is nice being back in the jersey and representing the Stormers," Schickerling, whose nickname is Jakkals, told the club's website.
"I was really excited about my first game, especially because it was my first in the Vodacom URC. Last time I was in South Africa, I was still playing Super Rugby.
"It's been awesome getting to bond with the guys, especially on tour. It's the best place to get to know my teammates and connect with them. It's been good for me as well, learning about how everyone operates.”
The Stormers return to action on Saturday in Italy against Zebre who upset Munster last weekend.
Picture courtesy of Kubota Spears
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