François Steyn

François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn, born on May 14, 1987, in Aliwal North, South Africa, began his professional rugby career with the Sharks at the age of 19. He made his Super 14 debut in 2007 playing on the right wing, later transitioning to fullback and then fly-half due to team requirements. That same year, he earned his first cap for the South Africa national rugby union team, the Springboks, making his debut at wing against Ireland. He went on to play a significant role in the Springboks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup victory at the age of 20, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat. His career continued with spells in France and Japan, gaining experience in various international leagues.

Steyn’s club career included playing for Racing Métro 92 in France from 2009, followed by a return to the Sharks in 2012. He then moved to Japan to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus from 2014 to 2016, and subsequently joined Montpellier in France until 2020. During his time with Montpellier, he won the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2016. In 2020, he returned to South Africa to play for the Cheetahs, where he concluded his playing career in 2023. A notable achievement includes becoming the second South African player to win the Rugby World Cup twice, securing his second title with the Springboks in 2019. He was also the youngest Springbok to reach 50 caps in 2012.

Following his retirement from playing due to injury in March 2023, Steyn transitioned into a coaching role. He assumed the position of Head Coach for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup starting in 2025. Steyn’s professional journey is marked by significant team successes, including two Rugby World Cup titles, two Tri Nations/Rugby Championship titles, and multiple Currie Cup victories with the Sharks and the Free State Cheetahs.