Biography

A speed merchant of note, Bryan Habana blazed a trail of green and gold as he left opposition in his wake.

The Springbok winger incited expectation for something magnificent when he got the ball in hand, and that expectation was rarely disappointed.

Born on June 12 1983, Bryan Gary Habana started his rugby career at his local franchise, the Golden Lions. Initially he played outside centre and scrumhalf, but really came into his own after being moved out to the wing.

The young stud made his international test debut against England at the ripe age of 21 years old. The speedster showcased the horsepower his engine had and galloped over the line to bag a try after coming on as a reserve.

South Africa lost the game 32 - 16, but Habana had left his footprint. So began the journey that would see him take flight and soar to extraordinary heights.

Bryan Habana moved to the Bulls in 2005, before making his way to the Western Cape to play for the Stormers in 2010. He stayed at the Cape Town franchise for three years until he set his sights on lands across the ocean, namely, Toulon.

While at the Bulls, however, the expeditious winger managed to secure two Super Rugby cups in 2007 and 2009, making them the first South African side to do so.

Arguably his most memorable try for the Bulls would have been the last second break at 81 minutes into the game through the middle to score a try that would allow for a kick in front of the sticks.

That year would turn out to be one for the books as Bryan Habana and the Springboks also went on to win the Rugby World Cup. The prolific winger would bag four tries in their first game against Samoa. He would go on to score four more in the tournament, equalling Jonah Lomu’s record of eight tries in one Rugby World Cup. His outstanding performance netted him the IRB Rugby Player of the Year Award in 2007.

The Springbok also overcame the much-anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour of 2009. He helped the Springboks take the series by scoring a try in the final quarter of the second game.

Bryan Habana had an illustrious career in the green and gold. His speed injected life and excitement into the Springbok game - a true icon of South African rugby.