Springbok legend Bryan Habana celebrates 18 years since winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.
Before the agility of a Kurt-lee Arendse, or the ferocious side step of a Cheslin Kolbe, there was the speed of a Bryan Habana. The Springbok no. 11 set the standard of what it would take to perform at the top level of international rugby.
From racing cheetahs to crashing over the try lines in moments that mattered most. It was his incredible speed that set him apart. This ultimately led him to claim South Africa’s second Rugby World Cup in 2007.
This week marks 18 years since the iconic victory over England in Paris.
In a series of social media posts, the 2007 World Rugby Player of the Year and the Springboks’ all-time leading try scorer reflected on the moment.
Winning the World Cup was life-changing
While it was a team achievement, it also put him on the map as an individual. It was here that he equalled the try-scoring record (8 tries) of the late New Zealand wing, Jonah Lomu.
At the end of the fantastic season, he was later named both the IRB World Player of the Year and the South African Rugby Player of the Year in 2007.
In reflecting on what that victory meant to him, he wrote:
“18 Years on – a journey that changed my life forever.”
“Winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007 wasn’t just about lifting a trophy. It was about hope. About resilience. About a team that dared to believe again. A brotherhood wanting to do something that no Springbok team had done before. Win a World Cup outside of SA.”
He is the first to admit that he often finds himself missing the excitement that comes with running in front of a packed stadium, but says that he is grateful to have been in the position to live it.
“Rugby gave me more than I could ever give back – perspective, purpose, and a lifelong reminder that greatness is not just found in victory, but in the journey that gets you there.
Bryan Habana’s life after rugby
Since retiring in 2018, he co-founded Paymenow with Deon Nobrega, Willem van Zyl, and Gerbrand Potgieter a year later. Since 2020, he has served as the Chief Commercial Officer of the company.
He is also involved in punditry and fulfills various ambassadorial roles in sports.
To date, he is still South Africa’s leading try scorer with 67 tries.
