Divan Serfontein Biography

One of the smaller scrumhalves in South African rugby history, Divan Serfontein was a nippy Springbok that utilized space extraordinarily well.

David Jacobus Serfontein, or Divan as he was commonly known, was born in Krugersdorp in August 1954. He attended Stellenbosch University and started his rugby career with the Maties in 1974 playing for the under-20 age group.

Two years later the number nine made his debut for Western Province, but not in the Currie Cup. Instead, the youngster was called up to face the touring All Blacks in Western Province colours. The veteran scrumhalf recalls the memory of winning the New Zealand side fondly as his team clinched a 12 - 11 victory.

The legend stayed at Western Province his entire rugby career from 1976 to 1984. He played a total of 100 games for the coastal franchise and became captain of the side in 1981 on his 50th game.

Divan Serfontein remembers his final game being played at Newlands against the Sharks in a 19 - 9 win. A period of jubilation for the Western Province fans often referred to as the “golden era”.

The opportunistic scrumhalf made his test debut for the Springboks a year prior, in 1980 against the touring British & Irish Lions. Big games on his debut must have been taken in his stride at this stage as the speedster scored a try to help his team seal the deal 26 - 22. The Springboks would go on to win the series 3 - 1.

He was also a part of the infamous tour of New Zealand in 1981 with other rugby veterans like Naas Botha and Errol Tobias. The number nine, during his four year period playing for the Springboks, played all 19 of his games consecutively and scored three tries. He racked up a 79% win rate while in the green and gold.

His final series against the South American Jaguars saw him become the 39th captain of the Springboks. Once again, he excelled in his debut as captain by scoring a try. Just another day in the office for Divan Serfontein. He would retire after the following game which he won 22 - 13.

The vibrant scrumhalf brought electricity to the Western Province and Springbok squad. Divan Serfontein’s character and skill allowed for players to excel as much as he did, bringing out the best in everyone who played alongside him.