Willie: From 'rugby leper' to Springboks stalwart

AFTER being ignored by the Springboks in 2013 after some top performances for the Griquas and Cheetahs, a disappointed Willie le Roux told a journalist that he “just wants to jol ...”

- JOHN GOLIATH

At the time many South African coaches viewed Willie le Roux as a “rugby leper” because of his maverick style of play. A guy who played what was in front of him and chanced his arm by trying the spectacular. But he is also an emotional character who sometimes had the odd outburst on the field.

Even the great Rassie Erasmus, during his time at the Stormers, didn't want anything to do with him, because he wasn't seen as the typical South African player, while Erasmus felt he couldn't keep his emotions in check on the big stage. But he soon changed his mind after a phone call to one of Le Roux’s former coaches.

On Saturday, against Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, Le Roux will play his 100th Test match for the Springboks 12 years after eventually making his debut, winning two Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023 with Erasmus in that time.

"You don't just play 100 Test matches for your country,’ Erasmus remarked. “I'm not sure what his win percentage is in those Test matches, but there are only seven players who have done it.