ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2013
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SA Schools Rugby
2013
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SA U/20 Rugby
2015
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SA U/20 Rugby
2016
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Currie Cup Winner (Bulls)
2020
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Super Rugby Unlocked Winner (Bulls)
2020
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Currie Cup Winner
2021
POSITION:
Scrumhalf
CLUB TEAM:
Freestate Cheetahs
HOMETOWN:
Vanderbijlpark
DOB:
June 14, 1996
CATEGORY:
Challenger
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Marco Jansen van Vuren was born on 14 June 1996 in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. He attended Hoërskool Transvalia in Vanderbijlpark.He earned recognition early, representing at various age-group levels. In 2009 he was selected for the Falcons Under-13 Craven Week side. In 2012 he represented at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week competition. In 2013 and 2014 he played in the Under-18 Craven Week tournaments, and was selected for the South Africa Schools team in both years.
After high-school age rugby, Marco joined the Golden Lions (Lions) academy setup in 2015. He made his first class debut for the Golden Lions in the Vodacom Cup on 13 March 2015. He represented South Africa Under-20 at the 2015 and 2016 World Rugby U20 Championships. In 2015 the team finished third; in 2016 they finished fourth.
Marco is primarily a scrum-half by training, but his size (about 1.86 m) and skill-set have allowed him to play centre and wing as well. He moved on to play for the Vodacom Bulls where he featured in the Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship (URC) competitions. His centre partnership with Cornal Hendricks at the Bulls was highlighted in media coverage as an “unlikely success story” — a former scrum-half shifted into midfield, forming a strong centre combination.
•Marco’s height and athleticism allow him to bring a physical edge from the back-line, which is somewhat unusual for a traditional scrum-half. His versatility — able to cover scrum-half, centre, wing — has made him a valuable squad member in provincial competitions. He has cited icons such as Joost van der Westhuizen and Fourie du Preez as major influences on his rugby approach.
As of September 2025, he extended his contract with the Toyota Cheetahs for a further two years, showing his commitment to the Cheetahs’ vision and adding experience to their back-line.
After high-school age rugby, Marco joined the Golden Lions (Lions) academy setup in 2015. He made his first class debut for the Golden Lions in the Vodacom Cup on 13 March 2015. He represented South Africa Under-20 at the 2015 and 2016 World Rugby U20 Championships. In 2015 the team finished third; in 2016 they finished fourth.
Marco is primarily a scrum-half by training, but his size (about 1.86 m) and skill-set have allowed him to play centre and wing as well. He moved on to play for the Vodacom Bulls where he featured in the Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship (URC) competitions. His centre partnership with Cornal Hendricks at the Bulls was highlighted in media coverage as an “unlikely success story” — a former scrum-half shifted into midfield, forming a strong centre combination.
•Marco’s height and athleticism allow him to bring a physical edge from the back-line, which is somewhat unusual for a traditional scrum-half. His versatility — able to cover scrum-half, centre, wing — has made him a valuable squad member in provincial competitions. He has cited icons such as Joost van der Westhuizen and Fourie du Preez as major influences on his rugby approach.
As of September 2025, he extended his contract with the Toyota Cheetahs for a further two years, showing his commitment to the Cheetahs’ vision and adding experience to their back-line.
