South African · Caledon, South Africa · Born 8 August 1972Os du Randt was a powerful Springbok prop who won the Rugby World Cup in both 1995 and 2007, the only player to achieve that feat.
Jacobus Petrus "Os" du Randt was born on 8 September 1972 in Elliot, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and earned his nickname — Afrikaans for "Ox" — for his powerful, muscular frame and formidable scrummaging ability. He made his Springbok debut in October 1994 against Argentina and was selected for the 1995 World Cup squad at just 22, starting at loosehead prop in the final victory over New Zealand. Du Randt played the majority of his provincial career for the Free State Cheetahs, and was named the second-greatest loosehead prop of all time by Rugby World magazine in 1999, just before a series of severe injuries sidelined him for nearly three years. He believed his international career was over. A phone call in 2003 from former teammate Rassie Erasmus, then coaching Free State, convinced du Randt to return to the game, and his renewed form earned an unlikely recall to the Springboks in 2004. He went on to anchor South Africa's forward pack throughout their triumphant 2007 World Cup campaign, playing every minute of the final victory over England at 35 years old. Du Randt retired immediately after that 2007 final as the only Springbok forward ever to win two Rugby World Cups, and finished with 80 Test caps. He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, remembered as one of the finest and most enduring props in the history of the sport.
Only Springbok to win Rugby World Cups 12 years apart (1995 & 2007)
How They Played
Du Randt was known for his exceptional scrummaging ability and technical proficiency at loose-head prop. He possessed remarkable upper body strength and low center of gravity that made him virtually unmovable in the scrum. His lineout throwing was also considered excellent for a prop, and he was surprisingly mobile around the field for a player of his size.
Lasting Impact
Du Randt is widely regarded as one of the greatest props in rugby history and set the standard for modern loose-head prop play. His longevity and consistency at international level inspired a generation of South African forwards.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 1995 & 2007
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulls | 1997–1998 | — | 0 | #1 |
| Stormers | 1999–2007 | 138 | — | #1 |
 South Africa | — | 43 | — | — |
South African Athletes