Hakeem Kunene

Hakeem Kunene
Born (2003-02-03) 3 February 2003
South Africa
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight90 kg (198 lb; 14 st 2 lb)
SchoolPaarl Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position Fullback
Current team Sharks / Sharks (Currie Cup)
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2024– Sharks (Currie Cup)
2024– Sharks 8 (5)
Correct as of 26 October 2025
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2023 South Africa U20 3 (0)
Correct as of 26 October 2025

Hakeem Kunene (born 3 February 2003) is a South African rugby union player, who plays for the Sharks and Sharks (Currie Cup). His preferred position is fullback.[1]

Early career

Francis attended Paarl Boys' High School where he played for the first XV. His performances earned him selection for South Africa at U18 level,[2] before going on to represent at South Africa at U20 level in 2023.[3]

Professional career

Kunene came through the Sharks system, representing their U21 side.[4] He made his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks in 2024 and represented the side again in 2025.[5] He made his debut for the Sharks in the 2024–25 European Rugby Champions Cup.[6][7]

References

  1. ^ "Hakeem Kunene". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  2. ^ "SA Rugby to host U18 Elite Player Development camp". SA Rugby. 13 February 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  3. ^ "Junior Springbok fullback smokes Argentinean prop with big carry". Rugbydump. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Junior Rugby is back". Sharks. 3 May 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Team Release: Finals Time". Sharks. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Team release article - Leicester Tigers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks". Sharks. 13 December 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Plum: No pressure on Hakeem". SA Rugby Magazine. 10 January 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.