Percy Montgomery celebrates winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Photo by Martin Bureau/AFP
Where is Springbok legend Percy Montgomery now?
The metronomic maestro is tackling life’s side quests with relish.
Percy Montgomery celebrates winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Photo by Martin Bureau/AFP
The Springboks can lay claim to several golden oldies and legends and Percy Montgomery most certainly fits the bill. Where is Monty now?
Percy Montgomery, the Springboks points machine
At the start of his career, Percy Montgomery was known for his flashy, flamboyant skills. However, as he matured and settled into his roles for the Springboks, Sharks, Stormers and various clubs abroad, Monty became one of the most dependable players in the world. He was often the first name on the team sheet. A career tally of 102 caps and 893 points for South Africa bears testament. Only six players in history pulled on the green & gold jersey more often than Percival Colin Montgomery, and no player amassed more points.
Safe as houses
At his best, Percy was rock-solid as the last defensive line and used his in-game intelligence and tactical smarts to join attacking movements at opportunistic moments. Off the kicking tee, Percy was a metronomic maestro with that abbreviated run-up. 105 of Percy’s points for his country came at the 2007 Rugby World Cup when the Boks beat England 15-6 in the final. Monty led the overall individual scoring charts that year and slotted four clutch penalties from four attempts in the showpiece match at Stade de France. You could bet your house on this guy.
A well-travelled star
Percy had stints with Newport and the Dragons in Wales before a short spell with French outfit Perpignan in 2007. Between 2001 and 2008, he was also a valued member of the Barbarians.
Living la vida local in Camps Bay
Percy has started a tequila brand, El Centurion 102, paying homage to his Springbok test cap tally and the fact that he was the first to bring up a century. He lives on the Atlantic seaboard of Cape Town. The author of this article was lucky enough to summit Lion’s Head with the legendary fullback alongside a bunch of other patriotic South African rugby lovers. This was an informal gathering to drum up support and well-wishes for the Springboks before the 2019 Rugby World Cup final in Japan. That ended pretty well. Percy also coached the SA Rugby Legends vs the Portuguese Barbarians last year in Portugal. For a laugh, you know?
Join Percy on Instagram as he continues tackling life’s side quests on his travels.
What are your best Percy Montgomery memories in a Springbok jersey?
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