10 South Africans playing at the Rugby World Cup… but not for South Africa! Brought to you by Steers
South Africa has long been a great exporter of sporting talent, from Kepler Wessels to Kevin Pietersen. It’s no wonder that a number of South African born players are also playing for other teams at the Rugby World Cup.
1. WP Nel
Now pronounced “double you pee Nel”, the ex-Cheetahs player moved to Edinburgh in 2012 and has five appearances for Scotland since making his debut for his adopted country this year.
2. Brad Barritt
Brad Barritt was born in KZN and began his career in the Currie Cip with the Sharks. He joined Saracens in 2008 and made his debut for England in 2012.
3. Richardt Strauss
Born in Pretoria, Strauss played for the Cheetahs for three years before moving to Ireland to join Leinster. He made his debut for Ireland in 2012 and has made 11 appearances to date.
4. Kotaro Matsushima
We’re cheating a bit with this one, but only because it’s a great bit of pub trivia. The Japanese back was born in South Africa, but went to school in Japan. In 2012, he joined the Sharks Academy. To date, he has played 14 times for Japan.
5. Quintin Geldenhuys
Born in Klerksdorp and attended school in South Africa, Geldenhuys’ career began with the Pumas in Mpumalanga in 2003 before moving to Italy in 2005. He’s somewhat of an Italian stalwart with 59 appearances to date.
6. Josh Strauss
He of the most magnificent beard only qualified to represent Scotland this year, a few days before Scotland kicked off their campaign. He is somewhat of a cult hero at the Lions, but left the club to go play in Scotland in 2012. He’s played just twice for Scotland – both appearances coming in this year’s World Cup.
7. Rory Kockott
France his packed with Saffas. Rory Kockott showed great potential in his early years, msot notably at the Sharks where he notched up 249 points in 46 appearances. He moved to France in 2011 and has made 10 appearances for them so far.
8. Scott Spedding
Like Kockott, Scott Spedding was a promising young player with the Sharks and at South African youth level, with five appearances for the SA Under-21 team. He moved to France in 2008 and made his debut for his adopted coutnry in 2014.
9. Bernard le Roux
Born in Moorreesburg, do not be fooled by Bernard le Roux’s French sounding name. He’s a plaas boytjie. He played in South Africa until 2009 and made his debut for France in 2012.
10. Johannes van Heerden
Born in Pretoria, the 28-year old has been playing in Romania since 2013. He made his debut for Romania this year.
Proudly brought to you by Steers, supporting the Springboks all the way!
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