Discover the stories of some of South Africa’s greatest rugby stars through their own experiences in the gentleman’s game.
The annual Rugby Championship competition kicked off this past weekend, and the Springboks will aim to successfully defend their title. Following an excellent display of rugby in last year’s tournament, the team is determined to keep the prestigious trophy on African soil.
Since coach Rassie Erasmus took charge in 2018, the team has made significant progress. After facing challenges from some of their toughest opponents in 2016 and 2017, the Springboks have reclaimed their position as one of the most dominant nations in the sport.
Recent successes, including being double World Cup champions, winning the British and Irish Lions series, and securing two Rugby Championship trophies (in 2019 and 2024), have turned many players into icons of the game. This success has led to the release of three documentaries over the past four years: Chasing the Sun Parts 1 and 2, which document their Rugby World Cup journeys, and There Are Two Sides, which recounts the story of their iconic series with the British during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
While many of these films are available on various streaming platforms, the most compelling stories often come directly from the players themselves through their biographies and autobiographies.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Springboks’ most celebrated stars and staff, past and present, we have a list of recommended books that provide deeper insights into their lives:
Siya Kolisi – Rise
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Rassie Erasmus – Rassie: Stories of Life & Rugby
“My passion for the game is there for everyone to see. Many people have an opinion of me. But very few people know the real me. This book allows me to tell you about who I really am.’’ – Rassie Erasmus#Rassie #bokfriday pic.twitter.com/xgfJIQJZNk
— Pan Macmillan SA (@PanMacmillanSA) September 1, 2023
Chester Williams – Chester: A Biography of Courage
Annalee Murray – The First Lady of Springbok Rugby
Victor Matfield – Victor: My Journey
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Also see: Eben Etzebeth reflects on highs and lows of stellar rugby career in new book
