Franco Mostert Biography

One of the hardest working Springboks, Franco Mostert is a workhorse who constantly carries his team forward.

Outside of the pitch, he is one of the most soft-spoken and humble Springboks you’ll have the pleasure of meeting. On the pitch, you’ll experience a fearless, resilient leader charging straight at you.

The Springbok lock was no stranger to the sport as his father and brother both enjoyed the game. His father ran out for the Free State Cheetahs back in his day.

Despite being tall - growing up and finally settling at 2 meters - Franco Mostert only started playing lock in high school after no one wanted to assume the position in the team. He stepped up as he often does and grew into the role, if you will.

He showed his true potential at UP-Tuks during university level. This allowed him to be picked up for the Bulls academy where he intended to stay had he not received a call from then-Lions coach, Johann Ackerman.

In 2013 - at 23 years old - he moved to the Gauteng franchise. Initially, Franco Mostert was pretty scrawny, but his strength and effort were not to be underestimated. 

Unfortunately a car crash early in his Lions career sidelined the tireless lock. The initial call from the doctor was that he would never play rugby again.

But that would not be the end of the South Africa lock as his resilience and willpower shone through and he recovered to be ready for the 2014 season of Super Rugby.

His comeback made the workhorse stronger than ever, making it to three consecutive Super Rugby Finals from 2016, as well as winning the Currie Cup with the Lions in 2015.

The towering lock would get his first call to don the green and gold in 2016. Franco Mostert was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad that beat England in the final to bring home the trophy.

Two years later, he would stand against the British & Irish Lions in South Africa and come out victorious with the Springboks taking the series 2-1.

Franco Mostert has travelled a frightening road to reach success, encountering hardship as much as he’s encountered joy, disappointment as much as achievement. Through his tireless work ethic and resilience, however, he arrived where he often does in the line out: on top.