Johann "Joe" van Niekerk (born 14 May 1980) is a South African former professional rugby union player who played either as a flanker or number 8.

He was expected to play for the Northampton Saints however his contract was terminated before he arrived, reportedly because of constant injury problems.

In May 2013 he played as a replacement as Toulon won the 2013 Heineken Cup Final by 16–15 against Clermont Auvergne.

[2] After 2014 Heineken Cup Final van Niekerk has officially retired from rugby union.

Van Niekerk resides in Costa Rica and runs Rama Organica organic farm.