JP Pietersen Biography

Leaps and bounds that bring the Springbok name to life, JP Pietersen showcased some of the best sprints and line breaks you’d expect from the nimble creature.

The agile winger’s career started in the Shark-infested waters of Durban when he was just 19 years old. He made his appearance in the 2005 Currie Cup and looked set to continue the trajectory but rolled into an injury that would disrupt game time for the Super Rugby season of 2006.

Jon-Paul Roger Pietersen made his international debut later in the 2006 Tri-Nations (now The Rugby Championship) competition, earning caps against New Zealand and Australia. This at the tender age of 20 years old.

He would garner his agility and finishing skills well. When the 2007 Super Rugby season came around the Springbok would end the tournament as the leading try-scorer with 12 tries in 15 games.

The utility back found no trouble slotting in at either fullback, centre, or wing. As time went on he would focus more on the fullback position, which is where he caused the most trouble for opposition teams.

JP Pietersen enjoyed over 70 caps for South Africa, playing 25 with his wing partner Bryan Habana.

When the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad was announced, the quick-footed winger found himself among the conscripted. The Springboks would of course go on to win the prestigious tournament, with the winger scoring three tries in the first two games.

Back in the domestic competition, JP Pietersen would bag two Currie Cup trophies and two more final appearances. He netted 85 points in 42 appearances in the Currie Cup, and 195 points in 137 appearances in Super Rugby.

The nimble winger spent the better part of a decade at the Sharks, leaving during the Super rugby off season to play for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. He would continue his routine while staying at the Sharks until 2016, when his taste for rugby drove him abroad to Leicester Tigers.

After one season in England, a 4th place finish in the Premiership, and an Anglo-Welsh Cup win, the Springbok decided to venture south. He joined Toulon, staying there for two years before coming full circle and swimming with the Sharks in Durban once more.

JP Pietersen carried the Springbok name wherever he went. His welcoming and friendly nature ensured that he slotted into any team easily, just as he did with the hearts of the fans.