While the rest of the world is crazy about football, South Africa stands out with its unwavering affection for rugby. This sport is so woven into the fabric of South African society that it bridges social divides. According to a survey by Sport and Recreation South Africa, rugby is the most popular sport in the country, with more than 4.5 million registered players and over 10 million fans.
South Africa is ranked the 5th most rugby-obsessed country in the world, even as some believe that the rainbow nation takes love and passion for rugby a bit too far. Whether played on the dusty fields of rural areas, in the urban stadiums of major cities, or through the unparalleled fervour of national and club competitions, this sport holds a revered position in the hearts of South Africans. In this article, Sportblot explores the reasons behind rugby’s immense popularity in South Africa, its historical significance, and its role in shaping the nation’s identity. But first, let’s introduce you to the game:
What is Rugby and how is the Match Played?
Credit: Telegraph.co.uk
Rugby is a team sport where players try to score points by moving the ball down an oval-shaped field and grounding it over the opponent's goal line. The game will have 15 players from each team taking the field not exceeding 100m x 70m. While defending their half of the field, the players can carry, pass, or kick the oval-shaped ball.
When your teammate pitches the ball to you as you are running down the field, and you accidentally drop the ball, that is a penalty. It is called a knock on. The other team will get the ball automatically right there for their possession. The object of the game, which is played for a maximum of 80 minutes, is for each team to transfer the ball downfield and ground the ball over the opponent's goal-line to score a try (five points).
Laced with Apartheid, the Roots of Rugby in South Africa
Rugby’s introduction to South Africa can be traced back to the mid-19th century when British colonists introduced the sport to the country. The first recorded rugby match in the country took place in 1862 in Cape Town, and the sport quickly gained traction among the colonial elite. By the early 20th century, rugby had become a symbol of Afrikaner identity, particularly among the white communities. However, it wasn't until the establishment of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and the formation of national teams, including the Springboks, that the sport began to gain broader national appeal.
Before this time, Springbok selectors chose only white players for 90 years, with black and mixed-race athletes sequestered in separate leagues with no international participation. Even after the end of apartheid progress in uniting the country has been painfully slow. The 1995 World Cup-winning side, famously celebrated by Nelson Mandela, was all white but for one winger.
In a historic moment, President Mandela donned the Springbok jersey—a symbol once associated with oppression—during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which South Africa hosted and won. This gesture was a powerful statement of reconciliation and hope, and it cemented rugby’s place as a unifying force in the country.
The 1995 World Cup victory was more than just a sporting achievement; it was a moment of national healing. The image of Mandela presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to Springbok captain Francois Pienaar remains one of the most iconic moments in South African history. It demonstrated the power of sport to transcend racial and political divides and inspired a new generation of South Africans to embrace rugby.
The sport has remained a symbol of national reconciliation post-apartheid and cemented rugby as a unifying force for South Africans of all backgrounds. The 2019 green and gold squad captained by Kolisi was seen as a turning point, with six black players in the starting 15. A national tour to show off the trophy started in Soweto, the heartland of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, where the Springboks were once hated.
The Springboks: A National Pride
The Springbok rugby team is one of the most successful and revered teams in the sport's history, with a record that includes three Rugby World Cup victories (1995, 2007, and 2019) as of 2025. The success of the Springboks on the world stage has played a pivotal role in maintaining the sport's widespread popularity.
The Springbok brand, particularly in the post-apartheid era, has become a symbol of national pride. On any given match day, men, women and children can be seen wearing rugby jerseys and reveling in the green and gold, the colours worn by the Springboks. South Africans will move mountains just to be a part of the gees and join arms with their fellow South Africans in supporting the BOKKE!
The team’s victories transcend race and political boundaries, representing the unity and resilience of South Africa. The 2019 Rugby World Cup victory, which saw the Springboks triumph under the leadership of Siya Kolisi, the first black captain to lead the team to a world championship, was a powerful moment of social significance. It exemplified how the sport had evolved from a divisive symbol during apartheid to a beacon of unity in the democratic South Africa.
The Springboks’ success is not merely a source of pride for fans; it generates national excitement, boosts morale, and strengthens the bond among South Africans. The team’s performance in international competitions continues to fuel rugby's popularity and influence the younger generation’s involvement in the sport.
How Rugby Unites South Africans
Rugby is more than just a game in South Africa; it is a reflection of the nation’s history, struggles, and triumphs. From its colonial origins to its role in post-apartheid reconciliation, rugby has played a pivotal role in shaping South African society. This sport has remained one of the most powerful forces in bringing every single South Africa, no matter the age or background, together — whether it’s celebrating a victory or consoling each other after a hard loss.
Whenever the national team is playing, South Africans from every corner of the country converge on restaurants, bars and even shopping malls, making new friends and sharing all the emotions. This is apart from those who will jam-pack the iconic rugby stadiums like Ellis Park or Newlands.
Indeed, there’s no past-time more South African than a braai and rugby game on the weekend. To them, a rugby match is not just an event but an occasion for socializing, community bonding, and expressing national pride. The sport is so popular that there is a women’s division which on the occasion of her 30th anniversary this 2025, Rugby Union SA wrote on Instagram that it “proudly marks 30 years of Women’s Rugby—a journey filled with growth, resilience, and passion. Join us as we honor the trailblazers, returning stars, and the next generation driving the game forward.” The Springbok Women's team first played in 2004, and have featured in four Women's Rugby World Cups since their debut in the 2006 tournament.
Conclusion
Rugby is deeply ingrained in South African culture and history, with many people growing up playing the sport and following the national team closely. This passion for rugby translates into strong support for the national team, which helps to motivate players and create a winning culture. The country’s high school rugby system also provides a platform for young players to develop their skills and showcase their talents.
South African rugby continues to serve as a source of inspiration for athletes across the continent. Many African nations look to South Africa as a model for the development of their own rugby programs. As it were, the future of rugby in parts of Africa looks promising, despite the challenges facing the sport across the world.
