Jean de Villiers is a product of Paarl Gimnasium, the nursery of many a future South African star player (among them past international teammate Marius Joubert and South African back-rower Schalk Burger), De Villiers made his first impact at international level in the South African Sevens team, playing in ten of the eleven legs of […]
Jean de Villiers is a product of Paarl Gimnasium, the nursery of many a future South African star player (among them past international teammate Marius Joubert and South African back-rower Schalk Burger), De Villiers made his first impact at international level in the South African Sevens team, playing in ten of the eleven legs of the 2001–02 World Sevens Series, helping his country finish in second spot. He was also a member of the squad that finished third in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Also in 2002, he made his first international impact in the 15-man game at the U-21 Rugby World Cup, scoring four tries in the tournament for the victorious Junior Springboks.
Jean de Villiers made his first senior-level appearance for South Africa in November 2002 against France, but suffered a major knee injury five minutes into the game. After regaining fitness, he became an important player in the Boks’ 2004 renaissance, which saw them earn an unexpected victory in the Tri Nations Series that year. Both he and his former Paarl teammate Joubert earned a share of the try-scoring lead in the 2004 Tri Nations, with three apiece.
Jean de Villiers won the World Cup with South Africa in 2007, although he tore his biceps during the opening game of the tournament and took no further part. In 2009 De Villers won a second Tri Nations with South Africa. In November 2014 while playing against Wales in Cardiff, he suffered a potentially career ending injury that involved dislocating his left knee with tearing of major ligaments, reconstruction with artificial ligaments and rehabilitation allowed him back into the game.
After recovering from the injury De Villers captained South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but he fractured his jaw during the second match and was ruled out of the tournament.
Jean de Villiers was selected as captain of the Springboks as England toured South Africa in mid-2012. The coach Heyneke Meyer was delighted to announce him as captain after a series of good performances for his team in Super Rugby. On 9 June 2012 the first test was played in Durban; South Africa beat England 22-17 with De Villiers scoring a try in the 59th minute.
The next Saturday he led South Africa against England in the second test in Johannesburg which the Boks won 36-27. The third and final test on 23 June 2012 in Port Elizabeth was drawn 14-14.
At the conclusion of the 2012 Rugby Championship, De Villiers joined up with Western Province for the later stages of the Currie Cup. De Villiers was injured in his first match back causing him to miss the semi-final and the final. De Villiers accompanied the team to the final against the Sharks on 27 October 2012 in Durban as the 23rd player. Western Province won the final and De Villiers did receive a winners tankard at the post match presentation.
Jean de Villiers: Statistics
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Faf de Klerk is a celebrated South African rugby icon whose tenacity, leadership, and vision have defined an era of Springbok success. Renowned for his speed, tactical awareness, and indomitable spirit, Faf is more than just a world-class scrum-half—he is a symbol of resilience and determination on and off the field. His dynamic performances in […]
Breyton Paulse is more than a South African rugby icon, he is a living testament to the power of perseverance, courage, and passion. Known globally for his dazzling speed and unmatched agility on the rugby field, Breyton rose to fame as one of the most dynamic and inspirational players in Springbok history. Today, he channels […]
Francois Louw is a former professional rugby player who made a lasting impact as a stalwart of the South African Springboks. Born on June 15, 1985, in Cape Town, Louw attended Bishops College and the University of Stellenbosch before launching his rugby career with Western Province. He soon progressed to the Stormers in Super Rugby, […]
Bryan Habana, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of rugby, is a legendary South African rugby player and one of the most electrifying athletes to grace the sport. Renowned for his blistering speed, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled determination, Habana has etched his name in history as one of the greatest wingers of all […]
Neil Powell stands as a towering figure in international rugby, celebrated for his transformative leadership of South Africa’s national rugby sevens team, the Blitzboks. Over nearly a decade, Powell’s strategic acumen and unwavering commitment propelled the team to unprecedented heights, solidifying their status as a dominant force on the global stage. His tenure is marked […]
Duane Vermeulen is widely regarded as one of the most formidable and accomplished players in the history of rugby. With a career spanning over a decade, he has been a pillar of strength for the Springbok team, leading them to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and securing his place among rugby’s elite. Known […]
John Smit, a name synonymous with resilience and leadership in the rugby world, stands as one of South Africa’s most revered sports figures. As the 50th captain of the Springbok rugby union team, Smit’s tenure was marked by unparalleled dedication and a series of historic victories that have etched his name into the annals of […]
Joel Stransky is more than a former Springbok fly half, he is a living embodiment of precision under pressure, mental toughness, and South African resilience. Globally recognized for his historic performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, where he scored every point, including the legendary drop goal in extra time that secured South Africa’s […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
