Rugby Nation

Thierry Dusautoir: France’s Dark Destroyer

Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on 18 November 1981, Thierry Dusautoir did not pick up a rugby ball until the age of 16; yet he went on to become one of the game’s most respected flankers. Before getting into rugby, Dusautoir enjoyed judo, which helped shape his famed tackling technique and earned him the reputation […]

Chester Williams: Where Colour Ran, Legend Followed

Chester Mornay Williams was born on 8 August 1970 in the Western Province town of Paarl. He is widely seen as one of South Africa’s most celebrated rugby wings and a key figure in the Springboks’ 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph. Williams enjoyed a distinguished provincial career with Western Province and the Golden Lions, and […]

Francois Pienaar: The Captain Who United a Nation

Jacobus Francois Pienaar was born on 2 January 1967 in Vereeniging, South Africa, and is recognised as one of the most celebrated figures in rugby history, best known for leading the Springboks to their famous 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph. Pienaar studied law at Rand Afrikaans University, and it was during this time that he […]

Michael Jones: The Iceman Cometh

Sir Michael Niko Jones was born on 8 April 1965 in Auckland, New Zealand, and is revered as one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. Nicknamed the “Iceman”, he revolutionised the openside flanker role with a rare mix of pace, athleticism and power, earning acclaim as “almost the perfect rugby player.” Jones burst […]

Brian O’Driscoll: Ireland’s Scoring Machine

Born in Dublin, Ireland, on 21 January 1979, Brian Gerard O’Driscoll is widely regarded as one of rugby’s greatest centres ever, combining pace, power and exceptional skill throughout his 15-year career. He made his Ireland debut in 1999, but it was a stunning hat-trick against France in Paris the following year that announced his arrival […]

Locked In: England’s Master Lock Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson is regarded as one of rugby’s greatest locks – thanks to his two-metre-tall-plus frame – and is one of the finest sportsmen from England. Born on 9 March 1970 in Solihull, England, Johnson made his debut with Leicester Tigers in 1989, and he would go on to make 362 appearances for the Premiership […]