South African · Johannesburg, South Africa · Born 12 June 1983Bryan Habana is South Africa's all-time leading try-scorer and a 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, once holding the joint record for tries in a single World Cup.
Bryan Gary Habana was born on 12 June 1983 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and attended King Edward VII School before studying at Rand Afrikaans University. He progressed through the Golden Lions system and made his Test debut for South Africa in 2004, quickly establishing himself as one of the most electrifying wingers in the international game. Habana developed a reputation as one of the fastest players in world rugby, memorably racing a cheetah in a publicity stunt that captured global attention, and his blistering finishing made him a nightmare for opposition defences throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. He was a key figure in South Africa's triumphant 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign, finishing as the tournament's joint-top try scorer with eight tries — matching Jonah Lomu's 1999 record — and was named IRB World Player of the Year that same year. Habana played the bulk of his career for the Bulls and Stormers in South African Super Rugby before a lucrative move to French club Toulon in 2013, adding further Champions Cup silverware to his collection. Habana finished his international career as South Africa's all-time leading try scorer, and remains statistically among the most prolific finishers in the history of international rugby, renowned for a combination of speed and predatory instinct rarely matched at the highest level.
South Africa's all-time top try-scorer; 2007 World Cup winner
How They Played
Habana was renowned for his exceptional pace and acceleration, making him one of the fastest players in world rugby. His finishing ability in the corner was unmatched, often scoring tries from seemingly impossible positions through sheer speed and determination.
Lasting Impact
Habana set the standard for modern wingers with his combination of speed, professionalism, and try-scoring ability, inspiring a generation of South African rugby players.
Career Honours
- 2007 Rugby World Cup winner
- World Rugby Player of the Year 2007
- Tri Nations/Rugby Championship titles
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stormers | 2004–2008 | 46 | 26 |
| Toulon | 2013–2018 | 91 | 67 |
| Western Province | 2004–2008 | — | — |
 South Africa | — | 124 | 67 |
South African Athletes