The Ultimate Guide to South African Rugby 

Have you ever heard the saying ‘No DNA, just RSA’? If so, then you know that for South Africans, rugby is so much more than just a sport. It’s part of our identity. So much so that it can be argued that rugby runs in the veins of South Africans.  

The Springboks have brought the nation together with their four Rugby World Cup wins, the Vodacom Bulls by consistently making it to the United Rugby Championship finals, and our young players through the impressive development system we have in place.  

This means that almost every weekend there is a rugby braai happening. If you’re feeling a little lost at those braais when everyone is shouting at the ref on the TV, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about South African rugby.  

A Brief History of Rugby in South Africa 

Rugby arrived in South Africa in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most popular sports in the country. It has rewritten sports history for South Africa, expanding into schools, clubs, professional franchises, and national teams.  

The first official rugby tournament took place in 1892 with the establishment of the Currie Cup. This prestigious rugby union competition has showcased some of the best domestic talent South Africa has to offer. It has acted as the stepping stone for players such as Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard, and Pieter-Steph du Toit.  

As rugby continued to grow, so too did the identity and depth of the national team. The Springboks have since become four-time world champions, making them one of rugby’s most successful teams. Their history has been defined by intense rivalries, legendary players, and an exceptional style of play. This has led them to be currently ranked as the number one team in the world. 

What is SA Rugby? 

The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) is the governing body for rugby union in South Africa. They oversee every level of the game from the Springboks and provincial unions to coach education and referee development. Their primary goal is developing rugby across South Africa while ensuring that the nation remains internationally competitive.  

How South African Rugby is Structured  

South African rugby has a clear player development pathway. Each level prepares the player for the next. This has helped to consistently produce elite players.  

Provincial Rugby in South Africa 

Provincial rugby unions develop players within their regions. Each union oversees club rugby, youth competitions, coaching, and representative teams. These unions play in domestic competitions such as the Currie Cup and the SA Cup. So, provincial rugby ultimately provides players with a pathway into professional rugby franchises.  

Popular teams include the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers, DHL Stormers XXIII (Western Province), Toyota Cheetahs, Hollywoodbets Sharks, Fidelity ADT Lions, Airlink Pumas, Suzuki Griquas, and the Vodacom Bulls.  

South Africa’s Professional Rugby Teams 

South Africa has four professional franchises that compete internationally in the URC and other competitions. The URC is a 16-team league that consists of talent from five nations. It’s within this tournament that European rugby meets the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, and Lions.   

Blue Bulls 

Based in Pretoria, the Bulls are one of South Africa’s most successful professional teams. They have won multiple Super Rugby titles and have consistently made it through to the URC finals. In fact, they have made three finals in the last four years for the URC.  

Stormers  

Based in Cape Town, the Stormers became the first South African team to win the URC. They’ve consistently been a leading team in international competitions. Not only this, but they’ve produced some of the biggest names in rugby such as Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, and Schalk Burger.  

Sharks  

Based in Durban, the Sharks are known for having the most Springbok stars in their team. They combine physical rugby with attacking play. This, along with their reputation for producing elite talent, have helped them compete at the highest level.  

Lions 

Based in Johannesburg, the Lions have built a reputation around playing expansive rugby. They are known for their speed, quick balls, and counter attacks.  

The Springboks  

South African rugby has become synonymous with the nickname ‘Springboks’. This nickname is so deeply embedded into the culture of South Africa that the nation, when playing rugby, is called the Springboks by commentators and fans alike. The Springboks refers to the senior men’s national rugby team as well as the Springbok Women and the Junior Springboks. 

The ‘Springbok’ nickname dates back to 1906 when South Africa went on their first overseas rugby tour. And now, 120 years later, the nickname is one of the most recognisable names in the world. This is because the Springboks have won four Rugby World Cups, numerous Rugby Championships, and various British & Irish Lions series.  

Junior Springboks  

The Baby Boks represent the U20 South African Springboks. U20 rugby is seen as a stepping stone towards the world of the Springboks. They compete in the World Rugby Junior World Championship, which the Junior Springboks recently won. Not only did they win it, but they won it back-to-back after their 2025 success.  

Springbok Women 

Established in 2004, the Springbok Women represent the highest level of women’s rugby in South Africa. Within the last 22 years, this team has made considerable advancements in the world of rugby. This is thanks to increased investment, stronger domestic structures, and improved player pathways.  

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Rugby has come a long way since the 1800s. It now runs through the veins of South Africans. So much so that the success of a rugby team is one in the same with South African success. From the Currie Cup to Rugby World Cups to the URC, another chapter in South African rugby is waiting to be written again.  

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Where is South Africa ranked in rugby? 

The Springboks are currently ranked first in the world by World Rugby.  

Who governs South African rugby? 

SA Rugby governs the rugby union across South Africa.  

How many professional rugby teams does South Africa have? 

South Africa has four professional rugby teams that compete in the United Rugby Championship. These include the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, and Lions.  

What are the basic rules of rugby? 

The most basic rules in rugby are that the players pass backwards, score tries and have continuous physical play. Here, two teams of 15 players compete for 80 minutes to see who scores the most points.