Almost eight years to the day after suffering a life-changing rugby injury, Jacques Hector returned to the field to inspire the Springboks to victory
On 26 August 2017, Jacques Hector captained the Cederberg Academy Under-19 B team in a home game against Clanwilliam Secondary. Usually a scrumhalf, he played hooker on that fateful day and had a hand in two of his team’s tries before disaster struck.
“Our scrumhalf carried the ball up and I, with my scrumhalf instincts, was reaching for the ball, but it was lodged deep in the ruck, so I had to stick my head in a little deeper to reach it,” Citrusdal-based Jacques recalls.
“The next moment I heard a loud snap-crack sound. I was the one lying on the ground unable to move. The player in front of me tried to pull me towards him, but my head got stuck in a small sand pit.”
“I was conscious through it all, trying to stay positive, but it got harder when people started crying around me.” The talented teenager had broken his neck (C4 vertebra) and had no idea what was to come.
“I was taken to Citrusdal Hospital and then airlifted to Tygerberg Hospital where I stayed for two days before I was transferred to Groote Schuur Hospital, where I finally underwent surgery. I was in the hospital for more than two months and then transferred to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre where I underwent rehabilitation for three months,” Jacques shares.
Making History
Fast forward to 23 August 2025 and the headstrong Hector made history as the first recipient of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund to be the official mascot of the Springboks for their clash against Australia in Cape Town, which the men in Green and Gold won 30-22.
“It’s a huge honour. To be given such an opportunity is every Springbok supporter’s dream,” says the now 26-year-old. “For weeks leading up to the day, I had butterflies in my stomach because I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was so excited that I only slept four hours before we departed for Cape Town.”
“I’m a lifelong Bok fan and to meet some of my rugby heroes before the game was mind- blowing. The humility of the guys is what struck me the most. All of them were nice and took what little time they had to meet me,” Jacques adds.
“I had the opportunity to exchange a few words with my two favourite players, Manie Libbok and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. They were so humble! I also had the privilege to talk to Jesse Kriel before the game and on the field, and I spoke with Steven Kitshoff before the game, too. What a nice guy!”
Support the uplifts
Jacques praised the Players’ Fund for their support over the years, saying: “The Players’ Fund has played a big role in my life. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to go back to school, face everyday challenges and have the confidence I have now. I’m grateful for every day they’ve been there for me.”
Another rock for Jacques, affectionately known as “Pikkie”, is his mother. He shares: “There are no words to describe how amazing my mom has been for me; sacrificing for me and helping me through everything since my injury. She’s been there through it all physically, mentally and spiritually.”
With the strength to carry on, Jacques redid Grade 11 and matriculated at Jan Kriel. All the while, he’s continued to develop some of his biggest passions as an IT software enthusiast, DJ and music producer.
“My enthusiasm for IT software began in my Grade 10 year. I just took a liking to the complex writing of code and problem solving of programming. So, I said to myself that I would like to fix people’s phones, computers and electronics if I can. To this day, I am still helping where I can,” Jacques shares.
Mixing Hits
“My passion for music runs deep because music expresses feelings and serves as a therapist for many. I have had a deep understanding of music ever since I was a small boy. My godfather and his friends were DJs and one was a sound engineer. I was 10 when they first took me to a sound festival with them. It was loud and the energy was what captivated me. I had my first solo gig for a 21st birthday party at 13, and things took off from there,” Jacques adds.
“When my cousin started rapping in 2015, I featured on his song ‘Alles Duidelik’ which I produced, and that is where I got an idea to monetise, because we don’t have a music studio in Citrusdal. My most memorable events have been with DJ Saxie at the 2023- 2024 New Year’s party, my first solo gig, at Club 925 and Club Mykonos.”
Jacques had a final message for those in similar situations as him: “Know your worth, set boundaries, identify strengths, own achievements, challenge negative thoughts, practice self-compassion and surround yourself with support.”
