Famous South African Rugby Players

Joost van der Westhuizen was a South African professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a scrum-half. He represented the national team in 89 test matches, scoring 38 tries and captaining the side on ten occasions. He played a key role in South Africa's victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the team's first Tri-Nations title in 1998. Van der Westhuizen also had a successful domestic career with the Blue Bulls and Northern Bulls, winning Currie Cup trophies and participating in Super 12 rugby. He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame and the World Rugby Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Despite facing challenges due to motor neurone disease, he continued to raise awareness through his charity, the J9 Foundation.

Jacobus Francois Pienaar is a retired South African rugby union player who played flanker for the Springboks from 1993 to 1996, serving as captain for all 29 international caps he won during that period. He is most famous for leading South Africa to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Following his time with the Springboks, Pienaar continued his rugby career with English club Saracens. He made significant contributions to both South African and international rugby during his playing days and is remembered as a skilled and respected leader.

François Steyn is a retired South African professional rugby union player known for his versatility as a utility back. He played for various clubs including the Sharks, Racing Métro 92, Toshiba Brave Lupus, Montpellier, and the Cheetahs. Steyn represented the Springboks in 78 matches, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and 2019, making him the second South African player to achieve this feat. He also claimed victory in The Rugby Championship twice. Steyn was recognized for his exceptional long-distance kicking skills and strong tackling abilities throughout his career.

Pieter-Steph du Toit is a prominent South African professional rugby player known for his versatility in playing as a lock or a flanker. He has represented the South Africa national team and Toyota Verblitz in Japan Rugby League One. Du Toit's career highlights include winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup with South Africa and being named the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year. He further solidified his legacy by earning the player of the match award in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand.

Victor Matfield is a highly accomplished former South African professional rugby union player. He had an illustrious career playing for the South Africa national team (Springboks) and the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, as well as the Bulls franchise in Super Rugby. Matfield is renowned for his exceptional skills in disrupting opposition line-outs, a key factor in the Springboks' 2007 World Cup victory. He holds the record for the most caps as a Springbok player and was named IRB Player of the Rugby World Cup. Matfield briefly retired after the 2011 World Cup before returning to play for the Bulls in 2014 and 2015.

Willie le Roux is a prominent South African professional rugby union player known for his versatility as a back-line player. Throughout his career, he has showcased his skills in various positions including fullback, wing, and fly-half. He represents the South Africa national team and competes for the Blue Bulls in the United Rugby Championship. With a strong presence on the field, he has gained recognition for his strategic gameplay and ability to contribute effectively to his team's success.

Bakkies Botha is a retired professional rugby union player from South Africa who gained fame as a lock. He achieved numerous successes throughout his career, including winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup and two Tri Nations titles with the South Africa national team. Botha played for RC Toulonnais in the Top 14 league after transitioning from the Blue Bulls provincial team and the Bulls Super Rugby team. He was also part of the Toulon squad that secured victory in the Heineken Cup/European Rugby Champions Cup Finals in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Botha is well-known for his formidable partnership with Victor Matfield in the Springboks team.

Joel Stransky is a retired South African rugby union player recognized for his exceptional performance as a fly-half. He gained widespread acclaim for his remarkable achievement of scoring all of South Africa's points, culminating in a winning drop goal, during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. This iconic moment solidified his legacy in rugby history and established him as a key figure in South African sports. Stransky's skill, leadership, and composure under pressure continue to inspire rugby enthusiasts worldwide.

Patrick Lambie had a successful professional rugby career, playing for Racing 92 in the French Top 14 league. Known for his versatility as a player, he excelled in various positions, including fly-half and fullback. Lambie announced his retirement in January 2019 due to repeated concussions, highlighting the physical toll of the sport. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skills and sportsmanship, earning respect from fans and fellow players alike for his contributions to the game.

Damian de Allende is a skilled South African professional rugby player who excels in the positions of centre and wing. He is a valuable member of both the South Africa national team and the Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights. De Allende has achieved significant success in his career, being part of the Springboks team that secured a third Rugby World Cup victory in 2019 and a fourth title in 2023. His remarkable accomplishment includes being among the select few players who have earned two Rugby World Cup championships.

Bismarck du Plessis is a South African former professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a hooker. He began his career with the Free State Cheetahs before joining the Sharks in 2005, where he achieved great success. Du Plessis later moved to Montpellier in the French Top 14 league. He played for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship and the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, establishing himself as one of the top hookers of his time in both club and international rugby.

Jannie du Plessis is a former South African rugby union player who had a successful career playing as a prop for various teams. He played for Montpellier in the French Top 14 and the Lions in Super Rugby. He also represented the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and the Cheetahs in Super Rugby. Du Plessis joined the Sharks in 2007 and played for them until 2015. Throughout his career, he earned 70 caps for the South African national team.

Nick Mallett is a prominent figure in the world of rugby, having excelled both as a player and a coach. He played for the Springboks in 1984 before transitioning into coaching. Mallett went on to coach the South African national team from 1997 to 2000, achieving notable success during his tenure. He later took on the role of head coach for Italy's rugby union team from 2007 to 2011, further showcasing his expertise and leadership in the sport at an international level.

Ashwin Willemse is a retired South African rugby union player who achieved success both nationally and internationally during his career. Known for his pace, speed, and power on the field, Willemse made significant contributions to the Springboks, including representing South Africa in the Rugby World Cup. Following his retirement from international rugby, Willemse focused on philanthropy by launching the GreenSmile Foundation, dedicated to providing educational opportunities for children in need. Despite facing challenges, Willemse returned to television in 2024 with a new show on EExtra.

JP Pietersen is a retired South African rugby union player known for his versatility on the field, primarily playing as a fullback or wing for the Sharks in the Currie Cup. His skills also saw him occasionally taking up the position of outside centre. With an impressive career, Pietersen earned his stripes representing the Springboks in 69 tests, showcasing his talent at the international level. Renowned for his speed, agility, and solid defensive abilities, Pietersen left a lasting impact on the rugby world.

Trevor Nyakane is a versatile South African rugby player known for his skills as a prop in both loosehead and tighthead positions. He currently showcases his talent with Racing 92 in the French Top 14 league and has also represented the South Africa national rugby team. Nyakane's professional career is marked by his strong presence on the field, contributing significantly to his teams with his powerful performances and strategic gameplay. His dedication and versatility make him a valuable asset in the world of rugby.

John William Smit is a former professional rugby union player and former CEO of the Sharks. He served as the 50th captain of the Springbok rugby union team, leading them to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Known for his versatility, Smit primarily played as a hooker but also excelled as a prop. He retired from international rugby after the 2011 Rugby World Cup as South Africa's most-capped player. Inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, he is celebrated alongside other World Cup-winning captains and coaches.

Hendrik Egnatius 'Naas' Botha is a former South African rugby union player known for his time playing for Northern Transvaal and the Springboks. He excelled in the fly-half position and was recognized as Rugby Player of the Year multiple times during his career. Following his retirement from playing, Botha transitioned into a successful career as a rugby commentator for South African television channels M-Net and Supersport. He also holds the position of Director of Rugby at Hoërskool Eldoraigne, showcasing his continued involvement and influence in the sport.

Schalk Burger Jr. is a retired South African rugby union player known for his career as a flanker for Saracens in the English Premiership and the South African national team. With 86 caps for South Africa, he was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning team and has received numerous accolades, including being named South African Rugby Player of the Year twice. Burger holds records for most appearances and tries by a Springbok flanker but has also faced injuries and disciplinary issues during his career.

Os du Randt is a former South African rugby union loosehead prop with an illustrious career. He played for the Free State Cheetahs and the Cats/Lions in Super Rugby, showcasing his strong scrummaging, ball-handling skills, and solid defense. Du Randt retired as the most-capped forward for the Springboks, having played in the 1995 World Cup-winning squad. He ended his career on a high note by playing a key role in the Springboks' victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final.

Percy Montgomery is a retired professional rugby union player from Namibia and South Africa. He had a successful career, holding the all-time records for most caps and points scored for South Africa's national team, the Springboks. Montgomery played as a fullback and was known for his exceptional kicking skills. He represented both Namibia and South Africa internationally, making significant contributions to his teams. Montgomery retired from international rugby in August 2008, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the sport's most accomplished players.

CJ Stander is a retired professional rugby union player who began his career in South Africa before moving to Ireland. He played for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in Super Rugby before joining Munster in 2012. After qualifying for Ireland via residency, he made his debut in 2016 and earned 51 caps for the national team. Stander also represented the British & Irish Lions in 2017 before retiring in 2021.

Lood de Jager is a prominent South African professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a lock. He has represented the South Africa national team with great success, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Additionally, de Jager has made a significant impact playing for Sale Sharks in the highly competitive English Premiership. His powerful presence on the field, combined with his strategic gameplay, has earned him a reputation as a formidable force in the world of rugby.

Francois Hougaard is a versatile South African professional rugby union player known for his expertise as a scrum-half and ability to also excel as a wing player. Throughout his career, he has showcased exceptional skills on the field, contributing significantly to his teams' performances. With a strong presence in the rugby world, Hougaard has garnered a reputation for his speed, agility, and tactical prowess, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

Danie Craven was a prominent figure in South African rugby, excelling as a player, coach, and administrator. Known for his diverse skills on the field, he played multiple positions for the Springboks and later coached the national team to great success. As a rugby administrator, he held influential positions at both national and international levels, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Craven's academic achievements, including earning multiple doctorates and pioneering physical education programs, further solidified his reputation as a multifaceted and influential figure in the world of rugby.

Ruan Pienaar is a retired South African professional rugby union player known for his versatility as a scrum-half and fly-half. He played for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and gained a reputation for his exceptional passing and kicking abilities with both feet. Pienaar's vision on the field, combined with his running style, drew comparisons to Australian fly-half Stephen Larkham. Throughout his career, Pienaar achieved success at various levels, including winning the u19, u21, and senior Rugby World Cup, as well as multiple Currie Cup titles.

Morné Steyn is a South African former professional rugby union player who had a successful career as a fly-half for the Bulls and the South Africa national team. Throughout his career, he achieved numerous accolades including winning various championships such as the Under-21 World Cup, Currie Cups, Super Rugby titles, Super Rugby unlocked, Tri-Nations, and a French Top 14 title. Notably, he made history by being the only player to win two British and Irish Lions series, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport at the highest levels.

Bryan Habana is a retired South African professional rugby union player known for his exceptional skills as a wing. Throughout his career, he played for various teams in South Africa and France, achieving great success and earning a reputation as one of the sport's greatest players. Habana notably won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa in 2007 and received numerous accolades, including being named the 2007 IRB Player of the Year. He is celebrated for his try-scoring prowess, holding records in both World Cup and test matches.

Ruben Kruger was a renowned South African rugby union player who excelled in the position of flanker. Known for his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, he left a lasting impact on the rugby community. Throughout his career, Kruger showcased remarkable talent and leadership on the field, earning admiration from fans and fellow players alike. His contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and celebrated, solidifying his legacy as a true icon in the world of rugby.

Chester Williams was a renowned South African rugby union player who notably played as a winger for the South Africa national rugby union team from 1993 to 2000. He was a key member of the team that secured victory at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Following his playing career, Williams transitioned into coaching, working with various teams including the South Africa national rugby sevens team, the Uganda national rugby union team, and the University of the Western Cape. He was also involved in the film industry, assisting with coaching for rugby scenes in the movie "Invictus." Williams passed away in 2019 at the age of 49.

Dawie de Villiers had a multifaceted professional life. He served as an ordained minister in the Dutch Reformed Church, embodying his religious devotion. Simultaneously, he held a prominent role in the South African government, contributing to public service and governance. Additionally, he excelled in sports as a Springbok rugby captain, showcasing his leadership and athletic abilities. Throughout his career, Dawie de Villiers demonstrated a commitment to various aspects of society, leaving a lasting impact in the realms of religion, politics, and sports.

Tom van Vollenhoven was a South African rugby league and rugby union footballer who made a significant impact in the 1950s and 1960s. He transitioned from rugby union to rugby league and had a successful career with English club St. Helens. Van Vollenhoven set a club record with 392 tries in 408 appearances, including a remarkable 62 tries in a single season. His outstanding performance led to his induction into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2000, cementing his legacy as a rugby league sensation.

Fourie du Preez is a former professional rugby union player from South Africa. He played as a scrum half for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and the Bulls in Super Rugby from 2002 to 2011. He also played for the Japanese Top League side Suntory Sungoliath from 2011 to 2016. Du Preez represented South Africa from 2004 to 2015, earning 76 caps and participating in three Rugby World Cup tournaments, including winning the 2007 competition. He has achieved numerous accolades during his career, including winning the IRB u/21 World Cup, the Currie Cup, Super 14 titles, and the Tri-Nations.

Pierre Johan Spies is a retired South African rugby union player who primarily played as a Number 8 but also showcased versatility in playing as a flanker and occasionally on the wing. He enjoyed a successful career spanning from 2005 to 2015, prominently featuring in Super Rugby for the Bulls and domestic South African rugby for the Blue Bulls. Spies further expanded his horizons by playing in both Japanese and French rugby championships. Internationally, he represented South Africa with distinction from 2006 to 2013.

Renaldo Bothma is a retired professional rugby union player from Namibia. Primarily a flanker, he played for various teams throughout his career, including the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup. Bothma also represented other South African teams such as the Golden Lions, Leopards, Sharks, and Pumas. Known for his physicality and work rate on the field, Bothma made significant contributions to the teams he played for before retiring from professional rugby.

Jannie de Beer is a retired South African rugby union player who gained recognition for his role as a flyhalf for the Springboks national team. Known for his exceptional kicking abilities, he showcased his talent in 13 test matches, accumulating an impressive total of 181 points for the team. Throughout his professional career, de Beer solidified his reputation as a reliable and skilled player, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his remarkable performances on the field.

Neil Powell is a prominent figure in the world of rugby, having transitioned from a successful playing career to a coaching role. He served as the head coach of the South African national rugby sevens team, where he achieved notable success. Currently, he holds the influential position of director of rugby for the Sharks, showcasing his leadership and strategic skills in managing the team's overall performance and development. Powell's expertise and experience in both playing and coaching roles position him as a respected figure in the rugby community.

Corra Dirksen was a prominent South African rugby player known for his impressive career on the field. He earned a total of 10 caps during his time as a player, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Dirksen's skills were highlighted by his ability to score three tries during his career, making him a valuable asset to any team he played for. His contributions to the sport left a lasting impact on the rugby community, solidifying his legacy as a respected player.