Henry
Honiball

Henry Honiball is a South African former rugby union player. Famed for his physicality and dedication, he’s still a popular figure of the game.

Henry Honiball

Henry Honiball is a retired rugby union player who represented South Africa and played for several domestic clubs. He was a versatile and physical fly-half known for his tough tackling and high work rate. Such was his prowess on the pitch, he earned the nickname ‘Lem’ (Afrikaans for ‘blade’), chiefly thanks to his ability to cut through any opposition.

Born in Estcourt, South Africa in December 1965, Henry Honiball started his professional career with Free State (now Free State Cheetahs) in 1989, but then moved to Natal (now Sharks) in 1992. He spent the majority of his playing career with the Sharks, playing in the Currie Cup and what was the Super 12 when it started in 1996. During this time he made over 150 collective appearances and amassed over 350 points, Henry Honiball also helped Sharks to lift the Currie Cup on three occasions.

In 1999 he made the move to England and signed for Bristol. Despite a prolific first season he was forced to retire from the game in 2000 due to a serious neck injury.

Henry Honiball’s international career started in 1993 when he made his debut against Australia. From this point he would go on to be a regular starter for the Springboks, earning 35 caps before retiring from the world stage in 1999 in the third/fourth play-off of the Rugby World Cup of the same year. Henry Honiball enjoyed a number of highlights when pulling on the green and gold jersey, these include being a part of the record-equalling squad that managed 17 consecutive wins in test matches.

Honiball also featured for South Africa in the Sevens. Today he runs a cattle ranch near Durban and is married with three children.