Jean de
Villiers

Jean de Villiers is a former Springbok captain who remains a legend of the game.

Jean de Villiers Bio

Jean de Villiers enjoyed a distinguished domestic and international career. A former Springboks captain, he also represented a string of top sides in South Africa, Ireland and England during his long and illustrious career. Jean de Villiers was inducted into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021.

The senior career of Jean de Villiers began in 2001, when he represented Western Province for the first time. He stayed with the side until 2009, regularly helping them compete for the Currie Cup. During this point in his career, he also represented the Stormers between 2005 and 2009.

At the end of the 2009 season, Jean de Villiers left South Africa and signed for Munster. However, his stint with the Irish province only lasted for one season and he returned to Western Province and the Stormers the following season. He then remained with both sides until 2015, when he signed for Leicester Tigers. Again though, his journey abroad only lasted for one season and he retired from the game in 2016.

Although he enjoyed an illustrious career at the domestic level, Jean de Villiers is undoubtedly best known for his performances as a Springbok between 2002 and 2015. During this period, he represented his country in 109 tests and became the 54th Springbok captain. In total, he captained his country in 37 tests. The pinnacle of his career arguably came in 2009, when he was part of the South Africa side that beat the British and Irish Lions and won the Tri Nations (now The Rugby Championship).

Since retiring from rugby in 2016, Jean de Villiers has invested in several businesses and founded others. He also still provides his opinions on rugby to several platforms.