JP
Pietersen

JP Pietersen is a retired rugby union player who represented South Africa at international level and played for clubs all over the world. Learn more about him here.

JP Pietersen Bio

JP Pietersen is a retired South African rugby union player who last played with the Sharks. He represented the Springboks and was a key part of their Rugby World Cup win in 2007. He was a pacey player who had an impressive ability to break forward from the backline and make exciting attacking opportunities.

Born in Stellenbosch, South Africa in July 1986, JP Pietersen (Jon-Paul) first signed for Natal Sharks in 2005 after he left school and made his debut that same year in the Currie Cup. He also played in the Super 14 in 2006 with sister club Sharks, however, this first season for him was blighted by a series of injuries.

Despite his young age, JP Pietersen soon became a regular starter for the Sharks playing mainly as a fullback and a wing, but also occasionally as a centre. In 2013 JP Pietersen announced he would play for Japanese side Panasonic Wild Knights, but would also retain his status as a player with the Sharks in the Super 14. This lasted until 2016 where he made the move to England to play for Leicester Tigers, initially signing on a three-year deal.

This move would prove to be short-lived and he moved to Top 14 side Toulon after just one season with the Tigers. After two more years in France, JP Pietersen returned a final time to the Sharks where he remained until retiring from playing in 2021. Across his club career he played over 200 games and scored over 300 points.

JP Pietersen was capped 70 times by South Africa after making his senior debut in 2006 in a Tri-Nations (now The Rugby Championship) test against Australia. His final game for the Springboks was in 2016 against England at Twickenham. As mentioned above, his biggest achievement on the world stage was featuring in the team which went on to lift the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

JP Pietersen has now moved into coaching and is currently involved in a junior role with the Sharks.