Thhe first time Victor Matfield understood the essence of being a Springbok came in a bus ride from the team’s Umhlanga hotel to King’s Park in 2004.
As they were approaching the venue, he looked out to see a black man wearing a Springbok jersey, wildly waving a Springbok flag. He was in a wheelchair, hollering for all his worth.
The moment instantly crystalised the meaning of the Bok jersey to Matfield, who freely admits that he had craved the cash and the fame that came his way as a Springbok. Until that day. It was a sight that humbled him, and changed him.
Matfield tells the story to illustrate the impact the Springboks have on so many South Africans. “Every time you play, you make a difference.”
He represented his country a record 127 times, a minor miracle given the game’s brutal rate of attrition, not to mention the ever-present politicking.
The great lock forward is one of just 53 people in world rugby to have represented his country more than 100 times. There are just four other South Africans who have done so.
It’s a rare feat indeed: only three of every 1000 Test players go on to crack a century.
Beast Mtawarira plays his 92nd tomorrow; he’s getting closer.
The 100 club is the most exclusive of unions, a gathering of greats that will be certified with the official launch of “Rugby Centurions” in London in November. Jason Leonard, the gnarled prop, will be the only “home” member from England. Others, too, will gather, from an array of places, including Romania, Portugal and Australia.
Neither Bill Gates nor Johann Rupert can crack it: entry is available only to those who have worn their national jersey 100 times
But it’s much less a club than a mission. Quite apart from celebrating these heroes, women players among them, the grouping intends to help fund a foundation dedicated to player welfare, rugby development projects and supporting players and families who have fallen on hard times.
Max Brito, who suffered a catastrophic neck injury during the 1995 Rugby World Cup that left him paralysed, will be among the first beneficiaries.
Unsurprisingly, business titan Gavin Varejes is among the chief architects of the vision. “Anything that puts a light on this great game is worth pursuing,” says the man behind the SA Rugby Legends, and so much else.
John Smit, capped 111 times, proudly says it’s the toughest membership to acquire in the world. He’s had the job of travelling the world and finding the 52 other centurions to share the club’s raison d’etre. “It’s been easier to get my four-year-old to eat breakfast without messing,” he quipped. “Rugby Centurions will give us two things: a platform and an opportunity to give back.”
The response has been warm and enthusiastic, not least from Brett Gosper, the boss man at World Rugby.
The club will be dynamic, shifting and shaping according to requirements. There are plans to host an annual gala dinner where new members will be inducted. The foundation’s work will be showcased, and the members honoured. There’s a book in the works, too, and a documentary; even a clothing line.
It will be a source of ideas and influence, steered by six magnificent custodians in Philippe Sella, George Gregan, Richie McCaw, Smit, Leonard and Brian O’Driscoll.
The royal stamp of approval will be issued by Prince Albert II, the club’s patron, ensuring the foundation has gravitas and influence beyond the usual margins.
Giants among men (and women) indeed.
THE CENTURIONS
In order of Caps received | Player | Country | Date Capped | Caps |
1 | Philippe Sella | France | 26/6/1994 | 111 |
2 | David Campese | Australia | 23/10/1996 | 101 |
3 | Jason Leonard | England | 15/2/2003 | 119 |
4 | George Gregan | Australia | 31/7/2004 | 139 |
5 | Fabien Pelous | France | 12/3/2005 | 118 |
6 | Donna Kennedy | Scotland | 18/3/2007 | 115 |
7 | Stephen Larkham | Australia | 7/7/2007 | 102 |
8 | Alessandro Troncon | Italy | 19/9/2007 | 101 |
9 | Gareth Thomas | Wales | 29/9/2007 | 103 |
10 | Louise Rickard | Wales | 15/3/2008 | 112 |
11 | Percy Montgomery | South Africa | 16/8/2008 | 102 |
12 | George Smith | Australia | 18/7/2009 | 111 |
13 | John Hayes | Ireland | 27/2/2010 | 107 |
14 | Brian O’Driscoll | Ireland | 13/3/2010 | 141 |
15 | Chris Paterson | Scotland | 13/3/2010 | 109 |
16 | John Smit | South Africa | 21/8/2010 | 111 |
17 | Victor Matfield | South Africa | 28/8/2010 | 127 |
18 | Ronan O’Gara | Ireland | 6/11/2010 | 130 |
19 | Stephen Jones | Wales | 4/6/2011 | 110 |
20 | Amy Garnett | England | 13/8/2011 | 100 |
21 | Richie McCaw | New Zealand | 24/9/2011 | 148 |
22 | Mils Muliaina | New Zealand | 9/10/2011 | 100 |
23 | Nathan Sharpe | Australia | 21/10/2011 | 116 |
24 | Martyn Williams | Wales | 2/6/2012 | 104 |
25 | Keven Mealamu | New Zealand | 20/10/2012 | 132 |
26 | Andrea Lo Cicero Vaina | Italy | 9/2/2013 | 103 |
27 | Tony Woodcock | New Zealand | 24/8/2013 | 118 |
28 | Sergio Parisse | Italy | 16/10/2013 | 126 |
29 | Martin Castrogiovanni | Italy | 16/10/2013 | 119 |
30 | Gethin Jenkins | Wales | 16/11/2013 | 134 |
31 | Dan Carter | New Zealand | 16/11/2013 | 112 |
32 | Marco Bortolami | Italy | 1/2/2014 | 112 |
33 | Adam Jones | Wales | 14/6/2014 | 100 |
34 | Mauro Bergamasco | Italy | 21/6/2014 | 106 |
35 | Bryan Habana | South Africa | 6/9/2014 | 124 |
36 | Jean de Villiers | South Africa | 13/9/2014 | 109 |
37 | Adam Ashley-Cooper | Australia | 18/10/2014 | 116 |
38 | Paul O’Connell | Ireland | 14/3/2015 | 115 |
39 | Rochelle Clark | England | 21/3/2015 | 122 |
40 | Vasco Uva | Portugal | 30/5/2015 | 101 |
41 | Ma’a Nonu | New Zealand | 9/10/2015 | 103 |
42 | Sean Lamont | Scotland | 10/10/2015 | 105 |
43 | Alun Wyn Jones | Wales | 17/10/2015 | 119 |
44 | Matt Giteau | Australia | 18/10/2015 | 103 |
45 | Stephen Moore | Australia | 18/10/2015 | 122 |
46 | Ross Ford | Scotland | 12/11/2016 | 111 |
47 | Rory Best | Ireland | 26/11/2016 | 104 |
48 | Tamara Taylor | England | 11/2/2017 | 108 |
49 | Merab Kvirikashvili | Georgia | 19/2/2017 | 106 |
50 | Jamie Heaslip | Ireland | 10/3/2017 | 100 |
51 | Florin Vlaicu | Romania | 11/3/2017 | 104 |
52 | Davit Kacharava | Georgia | 10/6/2017 | 102 |
53 | Kieran Read | New Zealand | 8/7/2017 | 102 |