 Hlekani (right) celebrating after winning the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship title | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Bathobele Hlekani | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | (2005-04-05) 5 April 2005 Zwide, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 115 kg (254 lb; 18 st 2 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Graeme College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Batho Hlekani (born 5 April 2005) is a South African rugby union player, who plays for the Lions. His preferred position is lock or flanker.[1]
Early career
Hlekani is from the township of Zwide in Ibhayi, the same township as South Africa captain Siya Kolisi,[2] and first attended Ndzondelelo High School before moving to Graeme College.[3] His performances for the school earned him selection for the South Africa U20 side in 2024 and 2025.[4]
Professional career
Hlekani came through the Sharks system, representing their U21 side.[5] He made his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks in 2024 and represented the side again in 2025.[6] He made his debut for the Sharks in the 2024–25 EPCR Challenge Cup.[7] He will join the Lions in 2026.[8]
He made his debut for the Lions on 10 January 2026,[9] and received player of the match award.[10]
References
- "Batho Hlekani". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- "BATHO HLEKANI: From dusty Zwide to the brink of Bok glory". SuperSport. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "Junior Boks delighted with 'big boy' Batho". SA Rugby Magazine. 30 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "Young Guns thrilled with experience gained at Bok camp". SA Rugby. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "Vodacom Bulls U21 and Hollywoodbets Sharks U21 name strong teams for Durban clash". Ruggas. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "IN-DEMAND: Hollywoodbets Sharks and Lions set for arm-wrestle over Junior Bok star Batho Hlekani". Hollywoodbets. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "Team Release: Lyon vs Hollywoodbets Sharks". Sharks. 4 April 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- "Hlekani to join Lions for 2026 season". Rugby365. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- Callaghan, Rowan (10 January 2026). "A star is born: Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani powers Lions to vital bonus-point victory". IOL. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- "Zwide's new rugby sensation Hlekani dazzles on Lions debut". The Herald. 12 January 2026. Retrieved 20 February 2026.