Frans Steyn was a marvel to watch during his playing days and became renowned for his extraordinary long-range kicking ability.
Having made his professional debut as a teenager, Steyn quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in world rugby during the late 2000s.
His immense physical strength, versatility, pinpoint kicking and remarkable longevity made him a key figure for both the Springboks and the teams he represented at club level.
Although Steyn began his professional career with the Sharks, he spent much of his playing career outside South Africa. He spent seven years in France, playing for Racing 92 and Montpellier, and also enjoyed a three-year stint in Japan.
Frans Steyn played majority of his rugby overseas
In 2020, Steyn returned to South Africa for the first time in 11 years and joined the Cheetahs. However, a knee injury in 2023 ultimately brought an end to his illustrious playing career.
Steyn’s Springboks legacy
Steyn arguably made his biggest impact on the international stage with the Springboks.
The versatile back was known for his ability to consistently slot long-range penalties and produce spectacular drop goals from distances of 55 metres and beyond.
He played a crucial role in South Africa‘s 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph. At just 20 years old, Steyn featured prominently in the final against England, contributing in both attack and defence.
He also produced one of the final’s most memorable moments when he calmly converted a 48-metre penalty in the 62nd minute, extending South Africa’s lead to 15-6.
That victory saw Steyn become the youngest player to win a Rugby World Cup. He was just 20 years and 159 days old when he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.
Steyn went on to enjoy an extraordinary international career, earning 78 Springboks caps over 12 years. He added a second Rugby World Cup winners’ medal in 2019 as South Africa defeated England in the final in Japan.
Where is Frans Steyn today?
Following his retirement from professional rugby in 2023, Steyn immediately moved into coaching and management.
The Springboks icon was appointed Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs before later taking charge as head coach of the Free State side.
His transition into coaching has allowed him to remain involved in the game and pass on the experience he gained during an illustrious career that included two Rugby World Cup triumphs.
Away from rugby, Steyn is married to Linca, and the couple have three daughters.
While his playing career may be over, Frans Steyn remains closely involved in South African rugby and continues to build the next chapter of his career from the sidelines.
Which version of Steyn was the best? 2007 or 2019?
