Van Heerden is the Vodacom URC Tackle Machine

DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden has been honoured with the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Taclke Machine award for the 2024/25 season.

This award is given to the player who boasts the best tackle success rate among those who have attempted 150 or more over the course of the campaign.

Van Heerden takes home the prize having made 171 tackles at a success rate of 98%.

The 27-year-old edged Glasgow Warriors forward Rory Darge who made 160 tackles with an accuracy of 97%, as well as Hollywoodbets Sharks star Phepsi Buthelezi in third place, with 157 tackles, and a tackle accuracy of 96.82%.

Van Heerden said that winning this award means a lot to him.

“For me it is just a great honour. Defence is a part of the game where you can see someone putting their heart into what they are doing and I think that is where character is shown.

“There is a quote that ‘consistency is the only currency that matters’ which is something I definitely take to heart,” he said.