Former Junior Springbok lock Ruben van Heerden was still beaming after being entrusted by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus with his Test debut against Wales, saying he could not wait for the occasion.

Ruben van Heerden’s journey to the Springbok starting XV has been anything but straightforward, but according to head coach Rassie Erasmus, the towering lock has earned every bit of his long-awaited opportunity.

DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden has earned a Springbok call-up to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat ahead of South Africa’s season opener against the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 20 June.