TALENTED Zululand rugby player Johan (Jors) Dannhauser certainly lives up to the Sharks slogan ‘love them or fear them’.
Having being taken up in the Sharks Vodacom Cup squad, most opponents fear him and are weary of this young man’s exceptional talent.
Born and raised in Empangeni, Jors grew up on a farm with older sister Thea.
He attended Heuwelland Primary School before moving to Pionier Hoërskool to finish his schooling career.
Currently contracted to top KZN club College Rovers and coaching at Durban Preparatory High School, Jors spends a lot of time in Durban. But the great news for Zululand is that he is back in town during the off-season.
Jors enjoys fishing and playing golf.
When not scoring tires, sidestepping players on the field or kicking the winning points for his team, he can be found relaxing on his farm, at the beach or watching a movie.
But it is his rugby resume that is jaw dropping, which includes: South African Schools (2006), Sharks 7s (2006 and 2007), Sharks U19 (2007), Laser TV Show where he was named best backline player (2011-2013), Sharks Vodacom Cup team (2011 and 2012), Club Championships (2012 and 2013) and he currently holds the record for the most number of tries in 20 games, which Lawazi Mvovo used to hold.
Jors scored 26 tries in 20 games, compared to Mvovo’s 21.
My personal opinion is, ‘Sharks open your eyes before you lose a fantastic player to another franchise.’
Jors took up the game when he was six years old and has literally grown in stature every year.
He trains twice a day, four times a week. Training sessions normally include gym and speed work in the morning, followed by fitness and skills in the evening.
His role model is his dad Johan.
He has no regrets as he believes everything happens for a reason.
He attributes hard work as being his key to success. He follows his motto of ‘Live everyday like it’s your last’, and hopes to settle down and start a family, but still plans to play rugby for 20 more years.
His strengths is being a good leader, but hates it when people do not work as hard as him. His family and girlfriend have supported him with everything he’s done.
His favourite ground he’s played on is Newlands in Cape Town, whilst playing on Crowe Park in Dublin also stands out for him. Making South African Schools was the highlight of his career.
‘Follow your heart, play hard and work even harder,’ is the advice he would give to other young rugby players.
Overall this down to earth and relaxed guy is certainly someone to look out for and nurture for the future of South African rugby.
