Every Trophy the Springboks Have Won Since 1995 

Since entering the world of international rugby in 1891, South Africa have won numerous trophies. So many in fact that we had to refine the article to all the trophies the Springboks have won since 1995, also known as the professional era of rugby.  

Arguably, the Springboks have one of the most decorated trophy cabinets in the world of rugby. In this cabinet sits four Rugby World Cup wins, multiple Rugby Championship titles, British & Irish Lions victories, and many more famous trophies. And the collection is continuously growing.  

These wins are thanks to the Springboks. That’s not to say that the South African trophy cabinet is short of Currie Cups, United Rugby Championship trophies, or Blitzbok silverware.  

So, how many rugby trophies have the Springboks won? Well, let’s have a look into their famous and very crowded trophy cabinet.  

Rugby World Cup – Four Titles 

The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of the rugby union season and occurs every four years. The top international teams from around the world compete. The winner is crowned the world champion, the highest title a team can receive in rugby. South Africa have won this honour four times. As such, they currently hold the most titles, two of which were back-to-back wins.  

The Springboks have lifted the Webb Ellis Cup four times in 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023. While each title is significant, none hold the same significance as the 1995 Rugby World Cup win. Playing in South Africa, just after the end of apartheid, and winning during extra time with a drop goal was legendary. And the image of Francois Pienaar receiving the trophy from Nelson Mandela was iconic.  

It was 12 years before South Africa won the Rugby World Cup again (2007). After this, 12 years passed before the legendary Rassie Erasmus era. Here, the Springboks won back-to-back titles, making them the first men’s team to win four Rugby World Cup titles. These wins cemented the Springboks in the book of legends. 

Tri-Nations and Rugby Championship – Six Titles  

The Rugby Championship, formally known as the Tri-Nations Series, is an international rugby union competition. Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa compete for the championship title.  

South Africa first won its first Tri-Nations in 1998 and then again in 2004 and 2009. Once Argentina joined in 2012, and the competition was renamed the Rugby Championship, the Springboks won in 2019, 2024, and 2025. Their 2019 win was significant, as that was the same year they won the Rugby World Cup.  

This unprecedented double win cemented the Springboks in the number one spot in world rugby. While they didn’t win the tournament again till 2024, they won back-to-back after this in 2025.  

British & Irish Lions Series – Two Wins 

Once every four years, the British & Irish Lions tour either Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. This means that they only tour South Africa once every 12 years. The British & Irish Lions are made up of top players from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. These players take on the host nation for a three-Test series.  

South Africa have won this three-Test series in 2009 and 2021. The 2009 series came down to the last match, where Morné Steyn settled the tie with a late penalty. History repeated itself in 2021 when Steyn again produced the winning kick. The Springboks won 2-1 again.  

Freedom Cup – Four Wins  

The Freedom Cup is a trophy contested between New Zealand and South Africa during the Rugby Championship. It was first introduced in 2004 in a once-off test between these two sides where the Springboks won 40-26.  

Since then, the Springboks have won the trophy in 2009, 2024, and 2025. This trophy represents rugby’s greatest rivalry between these two super rugby nations.  

Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate – Nine Wins  

Named after Nelson Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate is a trophy contested between South Africa and Australia. It was initially designed for a once-off match in 2000, which Australia won 44-23. From here, the trophy became a standard rivalry reward when matches took place between these two nations.  

The trophy has gone back and forth between the Springboks and Australia, where Australia holds the most titles. South Africa has won the plate in 2002, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025.  

Prince William Cup – Ten Wins  

Presented for the first time in 2007, the Prince William Cup represents the great rivalry between South Africa and Wales. The Cup was created to celebrate 100 years of rugby between these two nations. These two sides have played each other 21 times since the trophy came about. Of these 21 games, the Springboks have won the Cup 12 times, while Wales have won it five times.  

South Africa won the Cup in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Their most recent win of the Cup was their most significant, with the absolute smashing of Wales 73-0. This trophy reminds us that rivalries run deeper than we think and that there are trophies attached to being the greatest nation.  

Qatar Airways Cup – Three Wins  

The Qatar Airways Cup is awarded to the winner of an annual once-off fixture played between South Africa and another nation. It was introduced in 2023 when South Africa beat New Zealand 35-7. It was next given to South Africa after their beat Wales in 2024 and the Barbarians in 2025.  

This Cup has been awarded in three separate years to one nation, over and over again. The Boks clearly weren’t interested in letting anyone else hold up this Cup.  

The Springboks’ Trophy Cabinet Keeps Growing 

From Pienaar lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 1995 to Siya Kolisi lifting it again in 2023, the Springboks’ trophy cabinet is filled with memories of iconic players, unforgettable matches, and historical moments. Each trophy represents something different. But together these trophies showcase the wholeness that is the Springboks in the modern era.  

Can the Springboks continue their 2025 success winning five trophies back-to-back? Follow along for all the action in real time. Bet on rugby now with bet.co.za.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How many Rugby World Cups has South Africa won? 

The Springboks have won four Rugby World Cups – 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023. They’re the first nation to ever win four times.  

How many rugby Championship titles have South Africa won? 

South Africa have won the Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship six times – 1998, 2004, 2009, 2019, 2024, and 2025.  

When last did South Africa win the Rugby World Cup? 

The Springboks last won the Rugby World Cup in 2023. They beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final in France.  

How many times have the Springboks beaten the British & Irish Lions? 

The Springboks have beaten the British & Irish Lions twice during the professional era. Once in 2009 and once in 2021.