Rugby to property: Where is former Springbok Pat Lambie now?

Pat Lambie is one of the most popular players to have ever laced up his boots for the Springboks, having initially burst onto the rugby scene as the “golden boy” for the Sharks.

The flyhalf would ultimately rack up 56 Tests caps, while enjoying a prolific career at the Sharks between 2009 and 2017 before a brief stint overseas at French club Racing 92.

However, it was confirmed in early 2019 that at the age of 28, he had been forced into retirement after suffering various issues related to head knocks and post-concussion syndrome.

Pat Lambie immediately began to make an impact in business

Having made the move to Paris to join Racing 92 in 2017, Lambie and his family initially planned to stay for four or five years, but ultimately decided to return to South Africa to be closer to family.

It also afforded Lambie an opportunity to join the Collins Group, a company where he had spent some time doing work experience during his playing days.

“They are involved in a few things, including property development, tourism, private equity and farming,” he told this writer in an interview in 2019. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can while applying some of the things I learned in the professional sporting world and through my degree.

“My involvement has mostly been on the property development side. It is really impressive to see a company that is pouring so much investment back into South Africa and trying to create positive sentiment. I am excited and grateful that there is direction into the future and that this next chapter is now under way.”

Since then, Lambie has achieved great success as a property developer, while he did briefly spend time working at the Sharks as a kicking consultant coach.

His primary role now is serving as the Collins Group’s sales and project coordinator for residential developments, including Seaton, Zululami, Lalela, Emberton and Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village.

Building a dream home

In what has proved to be a perfect fit considering his lifestyle and career, Lambie has now undertaken a project to build a dream home at the stunning Seaton Estate on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.

“We were the first homeowners to start building and are documenting the process step-by-step to help future buyers going through the same process,” he told Get It magazine. “I love the coordination side of things and the design part was really fun.

“Our architect, Lisa Rorich, nailed our design brief to a tee. We love everything the estate offers, especially the beach access to arguably one of the most beautiful beaches on this coastline, which is great for the kids and dogs, and great for surfing.”

You can closely follow their journey on the Seaton Estate website.

Family life

Pat has been married to his high school sweetheart, Kate, for 10 years, and they have two sons, Jackson and Sam.