Born and raised in the outskirts of Pretoria, Heath Backhouse attended Hoërskool Montana, a smaller school that is so often overlooked by provincial selectors, coaches, and scouts. Rather than take the traditional route of the U18 Academy Week or Craven Week, Backhouse embarked on the incredibly physical Blue Bulls club rugby leagues. He starred for Centurion Rugby Club in the U20 competition, so much so that Heath caught the eye of French Pro D2 club, Biarritz. The athletic second rower sought to establish himself as an Espoir, but his expectations where surpassed when he earned a senior Pro D2 debut at just 20 years old.

Just a few short months later, Backhouse had established himself as a starter, donning either the number four or five jersey in sixteen of nineteen appearances in the 2019/20 season. What set Heath apart from other players his age was his consistency at the set piece. Not only was he a safe pair of hands when receiving kick offs or receiving lineout ball, he was also incredibly successful at stealing opposition throws. A brave defender who racks up an impressive tackle count, Backhouse returned to South Africa in 2020 and immediately featured for the Pumas in the Super Rugby SA competition. Young, dynamic and with many seasons ahead of him, Heath Backhouse brings immense value to any squad.