JJ Kotze

JJ Kotze is a flanker plying his trade with South African side the Stormers. Born on 6 November 2000, he is a back-row forward known for his physicality and his effectiveness at the breakdown, where a high tackle count and strength over the ball make him a disruptive defensive presence. Kotze's game is rooted in the contact area. He looks to slow and steal opposition possession, throws himself into the defensive line and provides the relentless energy that a competitive back row demands. That appetite for the unglamorous side of forward play makes him a valued member of the pack's defensive structure. Operating within the Stormers' system, he offers the kind of turnover threat and physical edge that can swing momentum in tight contests. As he continues to develop, the priority has been adding consistency and broadening his contribution in attack to complement his defensive strengths. Strong over the ball and tireless in his pursuit of work, Kotze is the type of openside-style operator who measures his game in tackles made and breakdowns won rather than headlines.