When Willie le Roux made his debut for the Springboks in 2013 as a promising talent from Griquas, few could have foreseen the remarkable career he would go on to have.
With 98 Test caps under his belt, Le Roux has solidified his place as one of the Springboks’ greatest fullbacks, playing a pivotal role in their 2019 World Cup victory and the 2021 British & Irish Lions series.
While he has transitioned into a mentorship role more recently, Le Roux remained a crucial part of the 2023 World Cup-winning squad. Despite being eclipsed by Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse in the fullback rankings, his worth to the team is undeniable.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Le Roux is poised to reach his 100th cap milestone in an upcoming home Test. Looking at the Springboks’ Test schedule, Le Roux is expected to feature in at least one of the July Tests against Italy, bringing him to 99 caps. His 100th cap is likely to come against Georgia on 19 July or in one of the two home Tests against Australia in August.
Erasmus spoke highly of the team’s camaraderie and shared milestones, saying, “We enjoy each other and are emotionally attached to one another, we are a family. We would have loved to give Willie his 100th last year, but Fassi was in top form. However, Willie deserves this milestone.”
Here’s the Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:
- 5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- 12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
- 19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
- 16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
- 23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
- 6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
- 13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
- 27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban
- 4 October: vs Argentina, London
- 1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
- 8 November: vs France, Paris
- 15 November: vs Italy, Turin
- 22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin
SA Rugby is also working on two additional end-of-year Tests for the Springboks.
