On Saturday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Willie le Roux will join one of the most elite groups in South African rugby — the Springbok centurions club. He will become just the eighth man to reach 100 Test caps for the Boks and only the fourth backline player to achieve this historic feat.
For a player whose journey started far from the traditional powerhouse rugby academies, this moment is more than a personal triumph — it’s a reminder that rugby dreams are still built on grit, vision, and resilience.
My dream was always to play rugby, but I had to start with club rugby in Wellington,” Le Roux told SuperSport this week. “Then I moved to Boland, then Griquas, then got a shot with the Cheetahs. It was step by step.”
A Journey Like No Other
Le Roux’s route to Springbok stardom was far from conventional. After school at Paul Roos Gymnasium, he cut his teeth in the dusty club fields of Wellington before helping Boland win the 2011 Currie Cup First Division. That sparked a move to Kimberley, where he quickly caught the eye playing for Griquas and was fast-tracked into Super Rugby with the Cheetahs.
What followed was a breakout 2013 season, which included a thrilling Test debut against — appropriately — Italy, and standout performances in the Rugby Championship. His fearlessness and flair made him an instant fan favourite.
I saw the game on SuperSport this week, and I couldn’t believe how I played back then,” he recalled. “I wasn’t scared, I just tried things. At the Cheetahs, we played an expansive game, so people cheered when it came off.”
Now that I’m older, when I try things and they don’t come off, people question why I’m still doing it. But back then, I was just a young guy expressing himself and living his dream.”
From Doubt to Dominance
Le Roux’s rise wasn’t without setbacks. After amassing 42 caps, his Bok career stalled during his time in England, when overseas-based players were largely overlooked. But a phone call from Rassie Erasmus in 2018 changed everything.
I remember watching the Springboks play France at Ellis Park in 2017 and thinking, ‘I can’t be done – I’m still going to play.’”
And play he did. Le Roux became a central figure in South Africa’s 2019 World Cup-winning side and played a vital role again in the successful 2023 campaign, coming off the bench in the tense final against the All Blacks.
Now back home with the Bulls, his value has been felt both on and off the pitch. So much so that Jake White persuaded him to stay in Pretoria through to 2027, postponing another potential overseas stint.
A Player of Vision — and Contention
Le Roux’s playmaking instincts and composure under pressure have made him a vital cog in the Bok machine. Yet, his career has also been punctuated by criticism — fans quick to react when high-risk plays don’t come off.
There were tough times, a lot of criticism,” he admitted. “But I’ve always had people from Strand who supported me no matter what.”
Coach Rassie always says, if they don’t criticise you, they don’t care. If there’s no noise, it means no one’s paying attention.”
Through it all, his family has remained a constant source of support — from his school days to his 50th cap at Loftus in 2018, and now his 100th in Gqeberha.
My wife watched my 50th Test and she’ll be there for my 100th too,” he shared. “And my family has been there since the beginning.”
A Humble Milestone
While many players might soak in the emotion ahead of such a significant moment, Le Roux is keeping his head down — focused on the task at hand.
It’s hard to take it all in emotionally,” he said. “For me, the focus is on getting through the week, on training, and not getting too excited, because anything can still happen before the game. I think once I run out on Saturday, it’ll hit me.”
On Saturday, as he dons the No 15 jersey once again — surrounded by young guns like Edwill van der Merwe and legends like Makazole Mapimpi — Willie le Roux won’t just be making history. He’ll be reminding every young player from the club fields of the Western Cape and beyond that the Springbok jersey isn’t just for the chosen few — it’s for those who never stop chasing it.
