A former student of the renowned Glenwood High School in Durban, Ferdinand Horn was recruited by the Blue Bulls upon completing his schooling. The move to Pretoria proved to be a masterstroke, as Horn’s intense physicality was perfectly suited to the aggressive game plan of the Loftus-based franchise. Enjoying successful campaigns in both the U19 and U21 Currie Cups, Ferdinand returned to KwaZulu-Natal and joined one of South Africa’s premier domestic clubs, Durban Collegians. So impressive was the destructive second rower that he was called up to the Natal Sharks Currie Cup squad, before joining the Boland Kavaliers, to enjoy more game time.

Time spent in Sevens saw Horn represent both the Blue Bulls and the Sharks in the shorter format of the game, and his deceiving turn of pace and impressive handling showed an all-round skillset that lent itself to the firm surfaces of Spain. After two seasons with Valladolid RAC in the División de Honor, it became clear that Ferdi’s talents belonged in the French leagues, and he duly joined Fédérale 1 club, RC Savoie Rumilly. Equally adept at playing in the number 4 or 5 jumper, Ferdinand Horn is a player who fulfils the role of both tight-forward enforcer and athletic ball-carrier, often deployed as a ‘fourth loose forward’. Horn is currently lending his unique strengths to RC Rieumois.