Theuns Stofberg Biography

A player of unusual speed for his corresponding height, Theuns Stofberg remains a legend in the South African rugby scene and stands the only player in history to win the Currie Cup trophy with three different clubs.

Marthinus Theunis Steyn Stofberg, or Theuns, as he is widely known, was born in the Free State and attended one of the strongholds of South African rugby, Grey College. The then-youngster started his provincial career playing for the Free State while he was studying at the University of the Free State.

He recalls and insists that the professional era and the amatuer era should not be compared, saying he would train three times a week and play on Saturday, whereas things are vastly different in today’s climate.

Theuns Stofberg moved to Pretoria and started playing for the Bulls when he was called for his conscription. His time at the Pretoria franchise helped him solidify his skillset as a flanker.

After dominating opposition with the Bulls, he would make the move to Western Province where he found the time to open a physiotherapy practice. A perk any professional era rugby player would not find possible.

There he bagged the Currie Cup in a different set of colours and cemented his name in the history books as the only player to have done it for three separate provinces. In total the Springbok flanker won five Currie Cup trophies, one of those being shared.

His tally is:

1976 - Free State (now the Cheetahs)

1979 & 1980 - Northern Transvaal (now the Bulls)

1982 & 1983 - Western Province

In international rugby, Theuns Stofberg got his first test cap against New Zealand in 1976 at the Free State Stadium. The veteran would unfortunately fail to secure the win, finishing the game 9 - 15. During his time playing for the Springboks he made 21 appearances and scored 30 points.

His international record is astounding, sitting at a 85% win rate. This included a series win over the British & Irish Lions during their 1980 tour, and the controversial 1981 tour of New Zealand, for which he captained one game.

Theuns Stofberg is a legend and master at the craft. His self-discipline and zeal brought an aspect of class to every team he played for, and it shows.