Frans Steyn Biography

Frans Steyn, born in Aliwal North in 1987, has not only donned multiple team colours, but he has also played in multiple positions in the backline once on the field. The perfect utility back some may say, Frans Steyn has been used as a centre, fullback, flyhalf and wing in his impressive rugby career. 

Frans Steyn is mostly known for his long-range kicking. In 2009 during a Super 14 match against the Brumbies, he kicked the ball 100m.

Frans Steyn started his rugby with the coastal side, the Sharks in 2006. He was only 19 years old. That year he impressed coach Jake White so much, that he received his Springbok call-up. He made his debut against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in November of 2006, and also scored a try in this match. He took to the field as a wing, and after only nine Springbok caps Frans Steyn had applied his trade as fullback, flyhalf, centre and wing.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup Springbok squad had a place for Frans Steyn, and during the opening match against Australia, he came on as a replacement for the injured Jean de Villiers. This match cemented his places as starting wing for the Springboks. At the end of the World Cup, Frans Steyn had amassed four penalty kicks and one try. 

In 2008, after a successful Rugby World Cup, he was selected to be part of the World Team by Laureus, and in 2009 Frans Steyn was part of the team that faced the British and Irish Lions in South Africa. He was used as a fullback in this time.

After the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, Frans Steyn announced that he would be leaving his home country and joining Racing Metro 92. Frans Steyn played for this French side from 2009-2012. He linked up with the Sharks in 2012-2013, and then played for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo for the next two years. From 2016-2020 Frans Steyn represented Montpellier, before moving back home to the Cheetahs, where he currently is contracted.

In 2019, Frans Steyn became only the second South African player to win two Rugby World Cups with the Springboks. Frans Steyn also holds the record for being the youngest ever player to lift the Webb Ellis Cup when he was only 19-years old.

Frans Steyn is married to Linca Meyer. They got married in 2012 in a very intimate ceremony, after meeting in Durban. They have three daughters.