Frans Steyn, who won the Rugby World Cup with South Africa in 2007 and 2019, is continuing his career in rugby as Director of Rugby and head coach of the Free State side after retiring from playing in 2023.
The former Springbok back earned 78 international caps during a 12-year career and became one of the most recognisable players of his generation. He was renowned for his power, adaptability and exceptional kicking range, qualities that made him a key figure for both club and country.
Steyn made his professional debut as a teenager and quickly emerged as one of world rugby’s most exciting young talents in the late 2000s. His ability to operate in several positions, combined with his physical strength and longevity, helped him establish an outstanding career on the international stage.
He began at the Sharks but spent much of his playing career abroad. Steyn played in France for seven years, representing Racing 92 and Montpellier, and also spent three seasons in Japan.
In 2020, he returned to South Africa after 11 years overseas and joined the Cheetahs. His playing career came to an end three years later after a knee injury in 2023.
Steyn made his greatest mark with the Springboks, particularly through his ability to score from distance. He regularly converted penalties from long range and was capable of producing spectacular drop goals from 55 metres or more.
His first Rugby World Cup triumph came in 2007, when South Africa defeated England in the final. Steyn was only 20 but played a significant role in the match, contributing in attack and defence.
One of the defining moments of the final came in the 62nd minute, when Steyn calmly kicked a 48-metre penalty. The successful attempt extended South Africa’s advantage to 15-6.
The victory made him the youngest player to win the Rugby World Cup. Steyn was 20 years and 159 days old when he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.
He later added a second winners’ medal in 2019, when South Africa defeated England in the final in Japan. Across his international career, Steyn made 78 appearances for the Springboks over 12 years.
After retiring from professional rugby in 2023, Steyn moved straight into coaching and management. The Cheetahs appointed him Director of Rugby before he subsequently took charge as head coach of the Free State side.
That move has kept him closely connected to South African rugby while allowing him to share the experience gained during a career that included two World Cup victories.
Away from the sport, Steyn is married to Linca, and they have three daughters. Although his playing days are over, he remains involved in the South African game and is now building the next phase of his career from the sidelines.
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