Johan Lourens “Joe” Nijkamp was born on 16 October 1904 in Pretoria and attended Oosteind School, where he first developed his interest in rugby. Growing up in the Transvaal capital during the formative years of South African rugby, he was part of a generation that helped strengthen the foundations of the national game. A strong and athletic player, Nijkamp possessed the physicality and positional awareness that made him a valuable contributor in the competitive Transvaal setup.

He represented Transvaal at provincial level, a union that was establishing itself as one of the powerhouses of South African rugby in the interwar years. His performances there demonstrated both consistency and leadership, and he became known for his commitment to teamwork and discipline on the field. His reliability and versatility eventually led to his selection for the Springboks, where competition for places was fierce and opportunities limited.

Nijkamp made his Springbok debut on 16 July 1932 against the touring All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, becoming Springbok number 238. It was one of the most celebrated test series of its time, remembered for its intensity and high standard of play. Earning a test cap in that series placed Nijkamp among the elite of South African rugby, marking the culmination of years of dedication at provincial level.

Like many players of his era, Nijkamp’s international career was brief, as the amateur game offered few test opportunities. Yet his contribution to Transvaal and to South African rugby’s proud tradition of forward power and resilience was respected by all who saw him play. He embodied the values of the time - commitment, humility, and loyalty to the jersey.

Joe Nijkamp passed away on 3 April 1969 at the age of 64. Though his name may not be widely known today, he remains part of the early generation of Springboks whose efforts and character helped build the foundation on which South Africa’s rugby heritage still stands.