Erich de Jager

Erich Estiaan de Jager (born February 29, 1996) is a South African professional rugby union player for the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby (MLR). His regular position is prop. His nickname is "Tarzan" started by his teammates.

He previously played for the in the Currie Cup.

Youth rugby
De Jager was born in Port Elizabeth and represented the local at various youth levels during his school career, playing at the Under-18 Craven Week tournaments on two occasions – at the 2013 tournament held in Polokwane and the 2014 event held in Middelburg.

After school, De Jager moved to Bloemfontein, where he joined the academy, playing for them at Under-19 level in 2015, and at Under-21 level in 2016 and 2017. He also made a few appearances for the team in 2016.

First class rugby
In 2016, he was included in the squad for the 2016 Currie Cup qualification series, and he made his first class debut by coming on as a replacement in their match against the  in their Round Thirteen clash and making a total of four appearances for the team.

After playing a further eight matches for the Free State XV in the 2017 Rugby Challenge, De Jager was included in their squad for the 2017 Currie Cup Premier Division, and made his Currie Cup debut in their 45–34 victory over the in their Round Three match, one of four appearances in the competition.

He was included in the squad for the 2017–18 Pro14 and – after being an unused replacement in their match against Welsh side the  – made his Pro14 debut in their match against fellow Welsh side the  in Newport, and his home debut in their next match against the .Report

He scored his first try in first class rugby in the 2018 Rugby Challenge, in a 33–19 victory for the Free State XV over their neighbours the.

In 2020, de Jager signed with the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby through to the 2022 season.