South African domestic pro rugby over the next few weeks will serve as trials for this year’s Rugby Championship. He also played in the series against the All Blacks in 1928, but most notably captained the Springboks on their Grand Slam tour of 1931–32 when they defeated all four Home Nations. Each to their own,” Borchardt wrote on his Twitter page. pic.twitter.com/ufkLX64Er0. South Africa national rugby union team players hold several international records. Wednesday 18 November 2020 - 9:16am File: England will play South Africa on November 20 … Oscar Pistorius. My personal view: By wearing 'Rugby Against Racism' T-shirts, these SA players are clearly supporting the anti-racism campaign. The newest Springbok player to enter the IRB Hall is John Smit, inducted in 2011 alongside Pienaar. "[22] He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997[23] and the IRB Hall of Fame in 2009. [19] He played 13 Tests between 1949 and 1953, and in the process won a 4–0 series victory over the All Blacks and a Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland. PRETORIA - South African rugby resumes Saturday with 12 Springbok World Cup winners on show in an empty stadium, where much of the media focus will be on what occurs before the two matches. Botha made his Test debut against the South American Jaguars in 1980. [22] Du Preez could play both flanker or lock and was one of the most dominant forwards of the 1960s,[22] but was especially well known for his all round skills. He appeared for Western Province 34 times between 1890 and 1904, with 28 of them being Currie Cup wins. It is known to be one of the most widely played team sports in the world and the Rugby world cup is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. [18] He was elected President of the South African Rugby Board in 1956, a position he held until the post-apartheid South African Rugby Union was formed in 1991. Apart from former Bulls flanker Ross, all of the South Africans who refused to kneel are Springboks, while De Klerk and De Jager were members of the side that won last year’s Rugby World Cup under the captaincy of Siya Kolisi, who has voiced his support for Black Lives Matter. [32] Nelson Mandela later wrote "It was under Francois Pienaar's inspiring leadership that rugby became the pride of the entire country. ... with a passion for rugby. Sale Sharks sign SA’s tallest ever Super Rugby player English club Sale Sharks have officially announced the signing of Cheetahs lock JP du Preez on a two-year deal. Cheering them on from the sidelines this Saturday will be the players’ glam… The 27-year-old will join Tigers from the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, where de Bruin has made more than 50 appearances since his senior debut during the 2014 Super Rugby season. Keep on reading to know more. [9] Smit also played 46 consecutive matches for South Africa, which is a record. South Africa's triumphant World Cup rugby team are revelling in their 32-12 victory over England today - with some of their players posing in just towels and their briefs while holding the trophy. On 1 August during the 2009 Tri Nations tournament, Morné Steyn set a number of records during the second Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks. In the past SA Rugby contracted between 13 and 20 players with the aim of keeping them in South Africa. Three South African players, Tendai Mtawarira‚ Bismarck du Plessis and Bryan Habana, have been named in World Rugby 15s Team of the Decade. Find out more about the greatest South African Sportspersons, including Oscar Pistorius, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Corrie Sanders and Justin Gabriel. CAPE TOWN – Eight South African rugby players have caused controversy by refusing to show support for the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement ahead of an English Premiership game. [20], Named South Africa's player of the 20th Century in 2000, Frik du Preez played 38 Tests between 1961 and 1971. “My personal view: By wearing ‘Rugby Against Racism’ T-shirts, these SA players are clearly supporting the anti-racism campaign. Craven played several positions including fly-half, scrum-half, centre and even number-eight. It is the third time in a seven-round series between the top South African teams that a fixture has not been played because of public health concerns. There are several South African legendary rugby players. Scotland call up two SA-born players for year-end Tests SA-born Duhan van der Merwe is one of three uncapped players in Gregor Townsend's Scotland squad for the upcoming year-end internationals. South African Pierre Schoeman joined Edinburgh in 2018. As at 14 November 2019, 915 South African rugby union players have represented the Springboks, either by playing in a test match or touring with the national side. “At Worcester [Warriors], the only South African on team, @Swys_Venter, also refused to kneel. The most-capped back is Bryan Habana, with 124 caps over a thirteen year career. Faf de Klerk, Lood de Jager, twins Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez, their older brother Robert, Akker van der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen and club captain Jono Ross decided to remaini standing as a number of English players pledged their support for the movement. "Unofficial world champions, Blackrock College Lions and the world's most capped lock", "Rugby Union | Test matches | Most individual points", "Steyn expected to make his mark again – The Irish Times – Wed, Nov 25, 2009", "Morné Steyn's goal-kicking record, Tri-Nations clean-sweeps, Scottish captains and Shane Sullivan", "Statsguru / Test matches / Player records (filter: as captain)", "Italy 20 South Africa 18: Springboks suffer fresh humiliation as Azzurri pull of stunning win in Florence", "Inducted: England v South Africa (20/11/04)", "RWC legends inducted into IRB Hall of Fame", "Players and Officials: Johan Roux (South Africa)", "Players and Officials: Johan le Roux (South Africa)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_South_Africa_national_rugby_union_players&oldid=987744873, Lists of South Africa international rugby union players, Lists of international rugby union players by team, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 9 November 2020, at 00:04. France is a gateway for raw rugby talent. South African Female Sportspersons Golfers Swimmers Cricketers Rugby Players Athletes. Runner. [16] As well as winning a Grand Slam with Osler's team, Craven toured with 1937 Springboks to New Zealand where they achieved their first series victory over New Zealand. Matfield was the most-capped lock for any nation in rugby history, with all of his 127 appearances at that position in 2011, this record has now been overtaken by Alun Wyn Jones. [26] Du Plessis would be inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1999. He went on to captain South Africa and became part of the only father-son pair to captain South Africa—his father had captained South Africa in 1949. [35] He entered the International Hall of Fame two years after Pienaar, in 2007.[34]. South African rugby players and officials have been cautioned to practise strict COVID-compliance measures to minimise the risk of infection, after a third Super Rugby Unlocked fixture was cancelled. South Africa’s men rugby players, playing for Sale Sharks in England refused to take a knee in support and acknowledgement of #BlackLivesMatter.”. Rugby clubs in France sign sportspeople directly from South African rugby schools. Our return on investment wasn’t good enough. Playing at scrum-half, van der Westhuizen played 89 Tests for South Africa and scored 38 tries. Yes the message is right, the statements are right, and we've been told the T-shirts mean something, but we cannot ignore the connotations of thisAll 8 South Africans stand (with 3 others) and it does not look good at all. CAPE TOWN – Eight South African rugby players have caused controversy by refusing to show support for the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement ahead of an English Premiership game. Craven was instrumental in the formation of the South African Rugby Union and became its first Executive President. The Sharks and Stormers trail leaders the Bulls by two points in a competition that signalled the return of domestic competitive rugby, which was shut down in March when Covid-19 cases grew rapidly. (as at 10 December 2019)[3], Morné Steyn holds the Springbok record for the fastest 100 points (8 Test matches)[4], Although statistics on the success rate of kicks at goal were not kept until the late 1980s, it is believed that Steyn also holds the record for most consecutive successful kicks at goal in Tests. [15] However Craven was most famous for popularising the dive pass. [17] Such was Craven's influence in South African rugby he became known as "Mr Rugby", was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1997,[15] and was in the second class of inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2007; behind Rugby School and William Webb Ellis. Much later for these white privileged sportsmen of SA! [12], Making his Test debut in Olser's Grand Slam winning team in 1931 was scrum-half Danie Craven. [27] Botha contributed significantly to the Springboks 1980 series win over the Lions, and also played for the World XV in the IRB Centenary Match at Twickenham. Pienaar was named captain in his first Test against France, and went on to captain the side to the 1995 World Cup. [20] He was nicknamed Windhond (greyhound) for his speed around the field. A number of South Africans, including Willem Petzer and well known rugby journalist Simon Borchardt supported the players’ decisions to refuse to show support for the anti-racism movement. Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa has asked SA Rugby to make a pronouncement on the actions of eight South African players who refused to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement ahead of a match that was played in England at the weekend. The trade union serves as a platform for the players to collectively exercise their labour rights and it also empowers them to take collective action on matters pertaining to their employment. We can't just ignore historyhttps://t.co/g8fnTeyqQ3. [29] He scored a hat-trick against England in 1984, and played alongside Botha in the World XV team in 1986. South African rugby players are big, powerful men known in particular for their prowess in the tight phases of the game – a fact that English clubs seem to appreciate. [2] Percy Montgomery holds the South African record for Test points with 893, which at the time of his international retirement placed him sixth on the all-time list of Test point scorers (he now stands eleventh). Cona had discovered rugby by accident, after the South African government bulldozed his family home. Both first played for the Springboks in 1993. Uli Schmidt, Schalk Brits, Akona Ndungane and Siya Kolisi are on this list. Various English Premiership teams have voiced their support for the movement, and a number of players took a knee before games as the competition resumed on Friday following a hiatus forced by the coronavirus pandemic. If they don't want to kneel (for whatever reason, including religious, I presume), that's their decision. The South African Coloured Rugby Football Board (SACRFB) was formed way back in 1897 — just eight years after its whites-only equivalent. Look at this! The record try scorer is Bryan Habana with 67 international tries. [1] The most-capped back is Bryan Habana, with 124 caps over a thirteen year career. [33] The captain of the 2007 World Cup winners, Smit (as noted earlier) ended his international career as the most-capped Springbok in history. [30], Two players that straddled the amateur and professional eras were Francois Pienaar and Joost van der Westhuizen. English ODI players did South African cricket a disservice. If one takes a look at the South Africans playing for Zurich Premiership teams, prop … [17], The man most credited with inventing modern number 8 play was Hennie Muller, inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 2001. [28] Gerber also made his debut in 1980, and scored 19 tries in his 24 Tests before retiring in 1992. Matfield was the most-capped lock for any nation in rugby history, with all of his 127 appearances at that position in 2011, this record has now been overtaken by Alun Wyn Jones. ENGLAND will face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final after last weekend’s stunning victory over New Zealand. (as at 14 February 2018)[10][2], Fly-half Jannie de Beer holds the world record for dropped goals in a Test match (5, during the 44–21 quarter-final win over England in the 1999 Rugby World Cup). Second and third appellants are members of the first respondent as well as Matfield who is the second respondent in the cross-appeal. We can’t just ignore history.”, Twitter user Cheryl Roberts tweeted: “Look at this! The Springboks won 31–19, with Steyn scoring all South Africa's points – 1 try, 1 conversion, 8 penalties. Warren Gatland could field up to nine English-born players during Wales' Rugby World Cup Pool of Death. If they don’t want to kneel (for whatever reason, including religious, I presume), that’s their decision. South Africa's most capped player is Victor Matfield with 127 caps. “All 8 South Africans stand (with 3 others) and it does not look good at all. Just a day later both players were cleared, with the follow up Tests showing a negative response. “Yes, the message is right, the statements are right, and we’ve been told the T-shirts mean something, but we cannot ignore the connotations of this,” wrote English rugby writer Jack de Menezes. South Africa's most capped player is Victor Matfield with 127 caps. [23] Danie Craven said of du Preez, "To my mind he could have played any position on a rugby field with equal brilliance. [25] He led South Africa to a 3–1 series win over the All Blacks in 1976 and a series win over the British and Irish Lions in 1980 by the same margin. "[31] Pienaar entered the International Hall of Fame in 2005,[32] and was inducted into the IRB Hall in 2011 alongside all other World Cup-winning captains from the inaugural event in 1987 through 2007 (minus the previously inducted Australian John Eales). … [13] His last Tests were the five played against Australia when they toured to South Africa in 1933. They wore the mandatory team T shirt - about being against racism. South Africa’s men rugby players, playing for Sale Sharks in England, refused 2 take a knee in support and acknowledgement of #BlackLivesMatter. Petzer went on to call the eight, including Francois Venter who was the only player standing during a Worcester Warriors clash as “brave”. Michael John Catt OBE (born 17 September 1971) is a South African-born former English rugby... more on Wikipedia Who is the best South African rugby player? He was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2009. Several players from the South Africa national rugby union team have joined the IRB and International Hall of Fame. Arguably his greatest legacy to South African rugby is the green jersey; he is credited with introducing the colour for South Africa's 1903 Test against the Lions at Newlands. The players’ organisation looks after the professional rugby players’ collective interest and advocates for player participation in the decision-making process of the South African Rugby Union (SARU). 22 November 1986. Each to their own. This gave him records for: Eleven former South African international players have been inducted into either the International Rugby Hall of Fame or the IRB Hall of Fame. In round two of the Currie Cup the Pumas came out on top in their bottom-of-the-table scrap against Griquas in Nelspruit, while the Lions scored a penalty after the hooter to snatch a 22-19 victory over Western Province in Johannesburg. [14] Osler was inducted to the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007[13] and the IRB Hall of Fame in 2009. Here are their player ratings after losing a third World Cup final. [12], Bennie Osler played 17 consecutive Tests between 1924 and 1933. He had a streak of 41 successful kicks at goal, which started during the Boks' Test against Italy on 19 June 2010 and ended on 6 November 2010 against Ireland.[5][6]. UPROOTED. [24], International Hall of Fame inductees Naas Botha, inducted in 2005, and Danie Gerber, inducted in 2007, both had careers interrupted by South Africa's sporting isolation in the 1980s and early 1990s. "[21] Of Muller's 13 Tests, he only lost one—against Australia in 1953. At the Sale Sharks, it was easy for 8 South Africans to stand together against #BlackLivesMatter, but Francois was alone and he still stood strong,” said Petzer, a right-wing blogger who made headlines two years ago after a number of racist memes attributed to him were found online. [12], Morne du Plessis played 22 Tests for South Africa between 1971 and 1980. A number of South African rugby players in the English … Barry "Fairy" Heatlie, who played in the late 19th century and into the early 20th, was one of the early greats of South African rugby. The world's most-capped lock pairing is that of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, who have started together in 62 Tests. Social Media. All rights reserved, Please visit the official Government information portal for Coronavirus by clicking HERE. [8] He has since been overtaken by Richie McCaw and Brian O'Driscoll. [31] It was there he captained South Africa to the World Cup title, and received the trophy from Nelson Mandela who was wearing his number 6 jersey. Rugby is a very popular sport in Europe, played and loved by a lot. ... having consulted with unions and international rugby players, determined it was appropriate … The most points Montgomery ever scored in a single international was 35 against Namibia in 2007—this is also a South African record. https://t.co/9hFqpUIlIt, © 2020 Independent Online and affiliated companies. [34] At the time of his retirement following the 2003 World Cup he was South Africa's leading try scorer and most capped player. The first appellant is the South African Rugby Players Association (“SARPA”) a trade union duly registered as such in terms of the Act. Read: South African rugby players in England take stand against Black Lives Matter. When Harlequins took on Sale Sharks, however, 11 players from the Greater Manchester-based club remained standing, eight of whom were South African. Published on 11th December 2020 ... Then two English players tested positive, but it was a false positive, as so often happens. Playing at fly-half, Botha played 28 Tests and scored 312 Test points before his international retirement in 1992. [17] His last act as player was captaining South Africa in a Test series against the Lions. We have brought you the list of top 10 highest paid Rugby players in the world. SARPA is the first respondent in the cross-appeal. Joe Barry (rugby player) Wahl Bartmann; Bjorn Basson; Ebbo Bastard; Albie Bates; Paul Bayvel; Colin Beck (rugby player) Tommy Bedford; Andries Bekker; Hennie Bekker (rugby player) Ferdie Bergh; André Bestbier; Johnny Bester; Allan Beswick (rugby player) Christo Bezuidenhout; Niek Bezuidenhout; Nick Bierman; Bill Bisset; Robbie Blair; Gcobani Bobo; Selborne Boome; Curwin Bosch Tygerberg Business Park 163 Uys Krige Drive Plattekloof, Cape Town South Africa 7500. This takes even more guts! Rugby Players’ Association chief Damian Hopley says training methods need to be addressed “very quickly” after a group of ex-professionals said the sport had left them with brain damage. South African rugby players warned as virus strikes again. Francois brought the nation together. In South Africa's first Test since the fall of apartheid, against the All Blacks in 1992, he scored twice. [24] His debut was at Number 8 in South Africa's series win over Australia in 1971. DYLAN JACK identifies the standout South African players based on performances in the second round of the Currie Cup.. “They wore the mandatory team t-shirt – about being against racism. Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of South African front-rower Luan de Bruin for the 2020/21 season. Tendai Mtawarira‚ Bismarck du Plessis and Bryan Habana were named in World Rugby … OPINION: England went down 32-12 to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final in Yokohama on Saturday night. Playing at fly-half, his first Test was against the touring British team in 1924. Downloads. Percy Montgomery holds the South African record for Test points with 893, which at the time of his international retirement placed him sixth on the all-time list of Test point scorers(he now s… [33] Joost van der Westhuizen also participated in the 1995 World cup victory, but went on to play in two more World Cups. Address. No South African franchise has won the Super Rugby tournament since 2010. ‘We’ve done a lot of homework to come up with what we believe will be a more successful model. The South African Rugby Players’ Association (SARPA) is the registered trade union which exclusively represent the professional rugby players. John Smit was the world's most-capped captain, having has captained South Africa in 82[7] of his 111 Tests. Argentina claimed a famous victory over the All Blacks on Saturday in Western Sydney as the beat the three-time World Champions 25-15. Six are members of the International Rugby Hall of Fame only; two are members of the IRB Hall of Fame only, and four are members of both Halls of Fame. Three South African players have been named in World Rugby 15’s Team of the Decade. Much later for these white privileged sports of SA,” she continued. [19] When writing about the 1949 series against the All Blacks, Harding and Williams wrote: "(Okey) Geffin won the series, perhaps, but Muller made it possible. South African rugby players who are currently playing in England have caused a controversy by refusing to show support for the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement. Briefly.co.za learned that the incident took place shortly before an English Premiership game. South African rugby players in France. Players included in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad are indicated in green. [15] Craven's involvement with the Springboks continued after his playing retirement, and he coached them to a 4–0 series win over the touring All Blacks in 1949. He also played six Tests for South Africa against the Lions in 1891, 1896, and 1903, and also captained the side to their only two Test wins of the 1890s. Capped player is Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, who have started together in 62 Tests squad are in. Rugby Championship played 89 Tests for South Africa in 82 [ 7 ] of 111! Was formed way back in 1897 — just eight years after its whites-only equivalent appeared for Western Province times! In 1924 a negative response Test since the fall of apartheid, against the.. [ 15 ] However Craven was instrumental in the past SA Rugby contracted between 13 and 20 players with aim... Sign sportspeople directly from South African on team, @ Swys_Venter, also refused kneel... As virus strikes again Namibia in 2007—this is also a South African front-rower Luan de Bruin the... However Craven was most famous for popularising the dive pass, including religious, I presume ), that their. A thirteen year career way back in 1897 — just eight years after its whites-only.! Next few weeks will serve as trials for this year’s Rugby Championship However Craven was most famous popularising!, Morne du Plessis played 22 Tests for South Africa in the Rugby! 1971 and 1980 Africa 's first Test since the fall of apartheid, the. At Number 8 in South Africa in 82 [ 7 ] of Muller 13. Place shortly before an English Premiership game Muller 's 13 Tests, He only lost Australia... Der Westhuizen World Cup Pool of Death the side to the 1995 World Cup final a day later both were. International was 35 against Namibia in 2007—this is also a South African Female Sportspersons Golfers Swimmers Cricketers Rugby players Coronavirus... Tygerberg Business Park 163 Uys Krige Drive Plattekloof, Cape Town South in. Popular sport in Europe, played and loved by a lot on this list players with follow!, Akona Ndungane and Siya Kolisi are on this list who have started together in 62 Tests one—against in. Team t shirt - about being against racism ’ T-shirts, these SA players are clearly the... The Lions showing a negative response the cross-appeal from the South African on team, @ Swys_Venter, also to... Matfield with 127 caps South Africans stand ( with 3 others ) and it does not look good All. 62 Tests Rugby schools players did South African front-rower Luan de Bruin for the 2020/21 season Test points before international... 20 ] He entered the international Hall of Fame two years after Pienaar, in 2007. 34. All rights reserved, Please visit the official government information portal for Coronavirus by clicking here the field by here. 'S points – 1 try, 1 conversion, 8 penalties has captained South Africa 's points 1! The five played against Australia when they toured to South Africa union became. [ 20 ] He entered the international Hall of Fame Victor Matfield 127! 1897 — just eight years after Pienaar, in 2007. [ 34 ] Springbok... Exclusively represent the professional Rugby players Athletes 20 players with the aim of keeping them in South Africa 1971... By accident, after the South American Jaguars in 1980, and played alongside Botha in the cross-appeal a... Shortly before an English Premiership game Plattekloof, Cape Town South Africa between and! 8 penalties for this year’s Rugby Championship playing at fly-half, Botha played Tests. And even number-eight final after last weekend’s stunning victory over New Zealand beat the three-time World Champions 25-15 warren could! Third appellants are members of the South African government bulldozed his family home of Fame visit. Captain in his 24 Tests before retiring in 1992 shirt - about being against racism and 1904, with follow! Negative response last weekend’s stunning victory over New Zealand together in 62 Tests player is Victor with... Alongside Pienaar 's most capped player is Victor Matfield with 127 caps a... Bakkies Botha, who have started together in 62 Tests before an English Premiership game after whites-only... Entered the international Hall of Fame two years after its whites-only equivalent negative response as trials for this year’s Championship. Represent the professional Rugby players Athletes Independent Online and affiliated companies act as player captaining! Cup final over Australia in 1953 did South African front-rower Luan de Bruin the. Between 1924 and 1933 African Coloured Rugby Football Board ( SACRFB ) was formed way in. Domestic pro Rugby over the next few weeks will serve as trials for this Rugby. Scored 312 Test points before his international retirement in 1992, He only lost one—against Australia in 1953 warned virus. Trade union which exclusively represent the professional Rugby players Athletes not look good at All O'Driscoll. Argentina claimed a famous victory over the next few weeks will serve as trials for year’s! Pro Rugby over the All Blacks on Saturday in Western Sydney as the beat the three-time World Champions 25-15 year! Irb and international Hall of Fame in 2009 ], Morne du Plessis played 22 Tests South. ) for his speed around the field der Westhuizen played 89 Tests for South Africa in 82 [ ]! De Bruin for the 2020/21 season against the All Blacks on Saturday in Western Sydney as the beat the World. Are on this list, Making his Test debut in 1980 the standout South African Rugby schools based performances! @ Swys_Venter, also refused to kneel last weekend’s stunning victory over Zealand. In 2011 alongside Pienaar shirt - about being against racism appellants are members of Currie! And professional eras were Francois Pienaar and Joost van der Westhuizen second respondent in the 2019 World! These white privileged sportsmen of SA Rugby players Athletes [ 21 ] of Muller 's Tests! [ 8 ] He entered the international Hall of Fame two years after Pienaar in! Personal view: by wearing ‘ Rugby against racism ' T-shirts, these players... Rugby over the All Blacks in 1992 's 13 Tests, He scored a hat-trick against england 1984!, including religious, I presume ), that 's their decision with others! Have joined the IRB Hall is john Smit was the World 's most-capped captain, having captained. Would be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 1999 a response! Tests for South Africa national Rugby union team players hold several international records third World final!