Springbok great Bryan Habana has revealed how he discovered that his father had been stealing from him during the early years of his career. Habana, who scored a record 67 tries for the Springboks in 124 Tests between 2004 and 2016 and was a key member of the 2007 World Cup-winning side, made the disclosure on the Business of Sport podcast. In a candid interview, the former Bok winger explained how the person he trusted most was mismanaging – and taking – his money while acting as his agent. “Trust is a really difficult thing to understand,” Habana said. “My trust rested with my dad, who was managing that side of my life from a very young age, only to find out eight years later that the trust I thought I had was not being had. “I unfortunately lost quite a bit of money because the one person I thought I could trust mismanaged my funds and used them for his own over the course of eight years.” Habana said the truth emerged after his move from the Bulls to the Stormers in 2009, when he and his family tried to buy a house in Cape Town. “We had to put down a deposit on a house and I went to my dad and said, ‘Listen, I need to take a bit of money out of my nest egg,’” Habana explained. “‘The more I asked, the more the money wasn’t coming.’” The situation escalated when the estate agent warned they were about to lose the property. “It was our dream home and we couldn’t lose it, so I had to get bridging finance because I wasn’t getting any of my nest egg.” The final revelation came when Habana contacted sponsors directly in early 2010. “The CEO of Canterbury International emailed me back immediately saying, ‘We’ve just signed you for five years and paid a very big re-signing fee,’” he recalled. “I phoned my dad asking where the money was, and he said he hadn’t received anything – but I had the contract in front of me.” Habana said he later discovered that a trust he believed had been set up in his name never existed. “The Bryan Habana Trust, which I thought all of my commercial money was getting paid into, was actually my dad’s bank account.” The fallout was permanent. “When I approached him with the facts, he denied everything,” Habana said. “I did not get a cent of the Gillette money.” Habana said reconciliation would only be possible if there was honesty on both sides. “I would choose it easily if he was willing to meet me halfway. When I gave him the opportunity to tell the truth, that didn’t happen.” For now, his focus is firmly on his immediate family. “My tribe is my priority – [wife] Janine and my sons are what matter most to me.” The post Habana opens up on father’s betrayal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Tigers head coach welcomes impact of refereeing changesMove to more kicking has ‘opened up the game’ Geoff Parling, the Leicester head coach, has defended the crackdown on escort defenders, saying the impact of refeering changes that promote more kicking has been “pretty positive”.Parling’s comments come after Ross Byrne attacked recent refereeing changes around contestable kicks on Monday. The Gloucester fly-half argued a potential knock-on effect would be for international coaches to convert second-rows into wings for the next men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027. Continue reading...

SuperSport has revealed the fan-voted Ultimate Springbok Dream Team after months of public participation and debate. The campaign invited supporters to select a best XV – and broader match 23 – drawn from three decades of Springbok rugby, celebrating the players who shaped the modern era and delivered four World Cup titles. More than 135,000 votes were cast during the campaign, with 34,000 supporters signing up to take part in the selection process. ULTIMATE SPRINGBOK DREAM TEAM – 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Os du Randt. Bench: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Siya Kolisi, 22 Joost van der Westhuizen, 23 Damian Willemse. The post Fans select Ultimate Springbok Dream Team appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall expects a highly motivated, Springbok-bolstered Sharks side at Kings Park on Saturday. The English club arrives in Durban off the back of an emphatic start to the Investec Champions Cup, having run in seven tries in a 47-10 victory over Clermont in London. By contrast, a youthful Sharks team – shorn of its Springbok contingent – conceded eight tries in a heavy 56-19 defeat to Toulouse last weekend. It was John Plumtree’s final match in charge, with former Sharks and Springbok wing JP Pietersen appointed interim head coach. The Sharks have managed just one win from seven matches across competitions this season, but McCall believes the return of several senior internationals significantly changes the equation. “Coming to Durban to play the Sharks is a privilege,” McCall said on Wednesday. “They’ve got one of the best squads in the competition. “I know they’ve had a difficult start to their season, but they’ve been massively disrupted by the Springboks and how many players have been available. They’ve also had two trips to Europe already to play URC matches, which is a really tough way to go about things.” ANDRE THE GIANT: Boks ready to revive Sharks This weekend, however, the hosts will welcome back several Springboks, including Bongi Mbonambi, Siya Kolisi, Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker. Lock Eben Etzebeth is unavailable due to suspension. “We understand they’ve got around 15 Springboks who didn’t go to Toulouse last week and who are preparing to play against us,” McCall said. “So we’re going to come up against a top side – highly motivated and with their Springboks back. ALSO: Eben speaks out on eye-gouge “The Sharks are a massive rugby organisation and, although they’ve had a difficult start to the season, this is a proper team. If you look at their squad man for man, they are as talented and as tough as almost any team in Europe. “A change of coach can often have an impact, and you usually see an improvement. But regardless of that, they’ve got a very strong group of players and they’re going to improve, for sure. “They’ve got almost everybody available now, so we know we’ll be facing them at their best.” KEO & ZELS: Siya to save shattered Sharks Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images The post Saracens boss: Sharks a proper team appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Joe Heyes resented being on England's tour of New Zealand last year. This year the prop has become a central figure in a team that beat the All Blacks.

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has taken to social media to explain what led to his altercation with Wales flank Alex Mann. Etzebeth received a straight red card late in the Boks’ 73-0 victory in Cardiff and has since been banned for 12 weeks, ruling him out of four Investec Champions Cup and eight Vodacom URC matches for the Sharks. The 34-year-old maintained during his disciplinary hearing that the act was not intentional, a claim he reiterated in an Instagram post on Wednesday, while also offering an apology to those he feels he let down. ALSO: Eben costs Sharks R2-million a match Etzebeth said the purpose of his post was to provide context around the incident and to stress that he does not condone eye-gouging or foul play of any kind. Etzebeth’s full Instagram post: Hey Everyone I’ve been quiet, but now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I’m willing to serve a suspension which I deserve. I don’t want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it’s OK to eye gouge someone, because it’s not, but unfortunately mistakes happen and I made a big one for which I’m sorry. But I’d like to answer the question – why did you do such a thing? It was a mistake caused by my reaction and other factors that played a role. Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales #7 struck me with an open hand to my chin/neck area, you can see me looking at the Assistant Referee and waiting for a reaction from him (it happened fast and it’s understandable that he didn’t see it) without reacting yet, I got another pull on my jersey, before I go in with the similar type of action. Slide 2: You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin. Another thing worth mentioning, when he struck me, I was standing still with not a lot of movement or players trying to get involved. When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see 2 Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture as well as one of my teammates pulling Wales #7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going. Slide 3: Another Camera Angle So why did I post this? To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years. Thanks to everyone that stood by me and thought the best of me. I’m sorry for letting you and the game down. That was my first red card since I started playing. I want it to be my last. To the people that were angry and upset with my actions, I understand – because it didn’t look good on the slow motion replay and hopefully you’ve got a bit more context now. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eben Etzebeth (@ebenetzebeth4) The post Eben speaks out on eye-gouge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

The Stormers will go into Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup showdown against La Rochelle in Gqeberha without one of their most influential Springboks. MORNÉ ESBEN REPORTS. While the Cape side have welcomed several Boks back into the fold, utility back Damian Willemse is unavailable due to a hamstring niggle. TEAM: Stormers unleash Sacha for PE showdown The good news however is that the 49-Test veteran is expected to recover in time for the Lions derby on 20 December, but his absence has amplified the team’s depth concerns in a suddenly thin midfield. Making matters worse, veteran centre Dan du Plessis has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a serious knee injury, leaving the Stormers to rebuild their midfield combinations at a crucial stage of the season. Dobson confirmed the extent of Du Plessis’ injury on Thursday. “He’s got a knee MCL, and he won’t play for at least six weeks.” MORE: Stormers depth driving elite standards Dobson opted to give the talented Johnny Roche a rare start in the Stormers jersey, after impressing off the bench against Bayonne last Friday night. “Dan Dup (du Plessis) is unavailable, Damian’s out and J-L (Jean-Luc du Plessis) is also out,” Dobson explained. “We could’ve gone Ruhan (Nel) at 12 and Wandi (Wandisile Simelane) at 13 who’s done well for us this season, but we think Johnny has something special. His defence is outstanding, it’s going to be a physical game, he’s got no respect for his own body and he’s got the x-factor. Dan could be out for a couple of months so we have to build capacity there quickly going into these derbies.” Despite the disruptive injuries, Dobson remains confident that his squad can navigate a tough Champions Cup pool, but also stressed the importance of starting well at home. “We think we’ve got the squad to get out of our group, and to get out of your group, you need to win your home games. It’ll be quite a blow to us if we don’t get it right.” STATE OF EURO CUPS: Stormers fly SA flag Dobson has named nine Springboks in his starting XV, signalling his intent to keep the Stormers’ perfect start to the season intact. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images The post Key Bok ruled out of La Rochelle cage-fight appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

England and British & Irish Lions legend Jeremy Guscott says the Springboks are beatable and not as overpowering as some past world champions. While the Boks ended 2025 ranked No 1 for a third straight year – defending their Castle Rugby Championship title and completing an unbeaten end-of-year tour – Guscott believes Rassie Erasmus’ team do not stack up against the most dominant sides of the professional era. Writing in The Rugby Paper, Guscott acknowledged that the Boks are the strongest team in the world at present, but suggested their grip on the global game is overstated. “They’re playing very well,” he wrote, “but I don’t think they would dominate a current World XV – and the only people likely to say they would are South African fans.” ALSO: Six Boks in World Rugby Dream Team Guscott was responding to comparisons between England’s current side and their 2003 World Cup winners, pointing out that that team – like the All Blacks of 2015 – featured six or seven players who would walk into a World XV. He believes that standard has not been matched by the modern Springboks. “My sense is that South Africa in 2023 were not as dominant as world champions as they were in 2019, or as dominant as New Zealand in 2015, or England in 2003,” he wrote. “Since 2019, the top teams have beaten each other. Although the Springboks are the strongest side right now, they are beatable and have suffered a number of defeats.” The Springboks and England are set to meet in the opening match of next year’s Nations Championship at Ellis Park – a fixture that will offer an early test of Guscott’s claim. MORE: Boks’ Nations Championship venues confirmed Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images The post Guscott: Boks’ dominance overrated appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Handre Pollard is among several Springboks rested for the Vodacom Bulls’ Investec Champions Cup clash against the Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday. Prop Wilco Louw, lock Ruan Nortje, flank Marco van Staden, flyhalf Pollard and utility back Canan Moodie are all unavailable due to a mandatory Springbok rest period. However, coach Johan Ackermann has included nine Boks in his squad, which travels overseas on Thursday. The squad been bolstered by the inclusion of new signing Kade Wolhuter, who will compete for the flyhalf berth. Elrigh Louw will also continue his return to full fitness now that he is two matches into his comeback from long-term injury, while there is also a welcome return for Nizaam Carr, who has spent recent months in rehabilitation. The Bulls match 23 will be announced on Friday. ALSO: Champions Cup Team of the Week (Round 1) Bulls touring squad: Forwards: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Cobus Wiese, Elrigh Louw, Jean Erasmus, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jaco Grobbelaar, JF van Heerden, JJ Theron, Johann Grobbelaar, Juann Else, Khutha Mchunu, Marcell Coetzee, Mornay Smith, Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr, Reinhardt Ludwig, Sti Sithole. Backs: Sergeal Petersen, David Kriel, Devon Williams, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Kade Wolhuter, Keagan Johannes, PA van Niekerk, Paul de Wet, Sebastian de Klerk, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs, Willie le Roux, Zak Burger. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images The post Bulls rest Boks for England trip appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is back to run the show for the Stormers in Gqeberha on Saturday. His return at flyhalf is the headline selection for an Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle loaded with Test-tier firepower. The 23-year-old playmaker comes straight back into the No 10 jersey and forms a familiar halfback pairing with Cobus Reinach as John Dobson rolls out nine Springboks, signalling clear intent ahead of a brutal afternoon at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. MORE: Stormers depth driving elite standards Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s comeback is perfectly timed. The Stormers want direction, spark and kicking control against the two-time European champions, and the youngster will steer a backline stacked with power and experience, including the fit-again Warrick Gelant, who returns at fullback after recovering from illness. He’ll have Dylan Maart and Leolin Zas beside him in a back three built for counter-attack, while Ruhan Nel reunites with Jonathan Roche in midfield. Up front, Dobson leans heavily on continuity and Test-level strength. Evan Roos earns a start after his bench impact in France and forms a dynamic loose trio with Ben-Jason Dixon and Paul de Villiers. Captain Salmaan Moerat locks the engine room alongside JD Schickerling, with André-Hugo Venter packing down between Ntuthuko Mchunu and Neethling Fouché in a powerful front row. There’s ammunition everywhere on the bench too. JJ Kotzé, Connor Evans, Ruan Ackermann, Imad Khan and Wandisile Simelane are all among the replacements after starting in Bayonne, joined by props Oli Kebble, Sazi Sandi and loose forward Marcel Theunissen. ALSO: Alldritt promises all-out assault on Stormers Dobson said backing up last week’s away win is the priority. “It was great to win away from home, but we have to back that up now and we know that it will take a big effort against a highly physical Stade Rochelais team. “We always get such fantastic support in Gqeberha, so we are all looking forward to what should be a big match with Test match intensity.” STORMERS – 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.Bench: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane. Our team for the Investec Champions Cup match against Stade Rochelais in Gqeberha on Saturday. Team announcement https://t.co/AwQYvSaNMb https://t.co/3aJrMeqsuY#STOvSR #inittogether pic.twitter.com/MatmwzUH31 — DHL Stormers (@THESTORMERS) December 10, 2025 Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images The post Stormers unleash Sacha for PE showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

La Rochelle captain Gregory Alldritt says he and his teammates will leave nothing on the field as they look to topple the high-flying Stormers in Gqeberha on Saturday. The French side made the long-haul trip ahead of their Investec Champions Cup clash against the in-form Stormers in Gqeberha on Saturday. While European sides often highlight the physical and logistical strain of a trip to SA, Alldritt has taken the opposite line. The French star says the two-time champions are determined to “live the trip, not suffer it”. MORE: La Rochelle brace for red-hot Stormers in PE For La Rochelle, this match is equal parts adventure and opportunity. Several teenagers in their squad are on South African soil for the first time, and the captain believes that sense of novelty could unlock something dangerous. “There are players who are 18, 19 years old who are going to spend a week in South Africa to play a Champions Cup match against the Stormers. If we didn’t play rugby, we’d never get to do this,” Alldritt said. “It’s going to be a great week in the sun, we have nothing to lose. The Stormers have shown a very high level. We must go there with freedom, put huge intensity into everything, and then see what happens.” ALSO: Boks to make seamless Stormers return Intensity will be non-negotiable, with the Stormers being unbeaten across all competitions so far this season and when playing in familiar conditions in front of their faithful supporters – whether in Cape Town or Gqeberha. “A match in South Africa is a crazy energy drain. You play against athletes, in 30-degree heat… We need to recover from the trip and build up as much energy as we can,” he said. “Our rugby is already in place. We’ve been training since 14 July.” The Stormers are set to welcome back several Springboks for Saturday’s clash. AFRICA PICKS: Investec Champions Cup Round 1 review & betting outlook Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Ben-Jason Dixon and Zachary Porthen are all expected to play a part on Saturday. Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images The post Alldritt promises all-out assault on Stormers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Former Springbok prop Robbi Kempson believes Zachary Porthen’s rare ability to pack down on both sides of the scrum could make him one of South African rugby’s most valuable long-term assets. Porthen, 21, has already impressed with his strength and mobility at tighthead, but Kempson told News24 that the Stormers youngster should be developed as a genuine dual-threat prop. MORE: Stormers support Porthen ‘swinger’ experiment “Daan [Human] has got a young, dynamic, very strong prop that can handle tighthead fairly comfortably, from what I’ve seen at this point in time,” Kempson explained. “Why on earth wouldn’t you test drive him at loosehead as well? You’ve got an asset for the next 12 to 13 years who is able on both sides of the scrum but, more importantly, is primarily a tighthead, which is the toughest position in rugby.” Kempson said coaches across the country should be excited by the potential of a player who could comfortably switch roles during a match. “It makes complete sense to me, and if I was any other coach below the Springboks I’d be going: ‘Thank you’.” As someone who scrummed on both sides under Nick Mallett, Kempson believes the secret is mastering the skills early. “I played [on both sides] at school, which is a bit younger than even Porthen. Imagine if (former Bok loosehead Steven) Kitshoff had learned how to play tighthead at his size… imagine if Thomas du Toit had started earlier.” ALSO: Porthen compared to All Blacks great Kempson says Porthen could be fully proficient across both roles within a few seasons. “And if you’ve got that kind of asset, which can start a game at tighthead and finishes on the loosehead side with the dynamic carries, you’re in a win-win situation.” FULL STORY Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images The post Kempson: Porthen’s dual threat must be nurtured appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery has praised Rassie Erasmus as a visionary leader who has created a unique environment within the world champions’ setup. Flannery, who earned 41 caps for Ireland, was speaking at the University of Galway coaching conference when he reflected on South Africa’s bruising November victory over his homeland – an 11-point win in Dublin that stretched beyond two chaotic hours and featured a flurry of yellow cards. Erasmus and his coaching group masterminded back-to-back unbeaten tours of the northern hemisphere. In an interview with Irish public service broadcaster RTE, defensive coach Flannery was full of praise for the Springbok head coach who last week signed on for another four years. “Rassie is a genius, an incredible coach,” Flannery said. “He’s built something very special – I’m not sure we’ll ever see anything like it again. “He empowers people, he brings the best out of everyone, and he’s incredibly kind. When the top guy makes all the coaches feel valued and heard, that creates an environment for success.” RASSIE: We’ll have to roll the dice in 2026 Flannery, who previously worked with Erasmus and fellow Bok assistant coach and Irishman Felix Jones at Munster, added: “Having a tight coaching group is one of the most important foundations for success.” Flannery has had a front-row seat to the Springboks’ sustained success in recent seasons which has seen the popularity of the sport soar to unprecedented levels. “South Africa is a rugby-crazy nation,” he said, and issued a warning to rugby rivals looking to take down the Bok juggernaut: “They’re also leaders in world rugby when it comes to physicality.” Flannery has had to cop flack from Irish fans, some of who have openly called him out for joining the Bok set-up. “It is a professional sport and everybody is so competitive. I have been called a traitor a couple of times at the Aviva.” ALSO: Ireland turn to Six Nations after sobering Bok lesson Despite Ireland’s recent struggles, Flannery had kind words for his home country and urged supporters to remain calm. “We have been a little bit spoiled in Ireland for a while,” he said. “People are now starting to panic a little bit. Ireland have a fantastic coaching group and are a really tight group; lots of good, young players coming through who can put their hand up. There is massive quality there.” Photo: Sam Barnes/Gallo Images/Getty Images The post ‘Rassie’s built something we may never see again’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Veteran New Zealand broadcaster Martin Devlin says he would “happily” accept a 2-2 series draw against the Springboks in next year’s historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Speaking on his DSPN podcast, he said such a result would be a major achievement for the All Blacks. Ellis Park, Cape Town Stadium and FNB Stadium are confirmed as South African Test venues, preceding a landmark final Test to be hosted at a neutral international venue still to be confirmed. The tour will also see the All Blacks play matches against URC franchises. Devlin said the All Blacks’ recent inconsistency, combined with the challenge of playing South Africa on consecutive weekends, as well as two Tests at altitude, makes the assignment one of the toughest in modern All Blacks history. “It feels strange saying it as an All Blacks fan, but I’d happily take a drawn four-Test series with South Africa next year,” he said. “If you offered me 2-2 today, I’d bank it without hesitation. Given the current circumstances, finishing level with the Boks wouldn’t be a disappointment – it would be a triumph.” Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is reignited. pic.twitter.com/J1WCrV2Bh9 — SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 16, 2025 Devlin argued that navigating four consecutive Tests against the world champions demands a squad stacked with “25 world-class players” who are hardened, experienced and capable of going toe-to-toe with the Springboks physically and mentally. ALSO: ‘Major addition’ to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour “After the loss to England, I’ve got doubts we have that depth right now,” he added. “There are holes in the squad – big holes – and that’s the challenge facing the All Blacks.” Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures: Friday, 7 August: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Tuesday, 11 August: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban Saturday, 15 August: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Saturday, 22 August: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg Tuesday, 25 August: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg Saturday, 29 August: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Saturday, 5 September: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg Saturday 12 September: vs Springboks (venue to be announced) Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images The post ‘Drawn Bok series would be a triumph for All Blacks’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.