Makazole Mapimpi

A two-time Rugby World Cup champion known for his prolific try-scoring ability, Makazole Mapimpi made history as the first South African to score a try in a Rugby World Cup Final during the Springboks’ monumental 2019 victory in Japan. Mapimpi began his professional rugby journey with the Border Bulldogs in 2014, making his debut in the Vodacom Cup the same year. He quickly demonstrated his potential as a strong finisher, notably scoring a hat-trick in the 2015 Vodacom Cup. His impressive club performances led to a move to the Southern Kings in 2017, followed by a contract with the Free State Cheetahs until the end of the 2018 season.

This was swiftly followed by the monumental 2019 Rugby World Cup win in Japan, solidifying his status as a national hero. In addition to his national commitments, Mapimpi expanded his club career internationally, joining the NTT Red Hurricanes in Japan between 2020 and 2021. He continued his international success by contributing to the Springboks’ series victory over the British & Irish Lions during their 2021 tour to South Africa. In 2023, Mapimpi was a vital member of the Springboks squad that secured their second consecutive Rugby World Cup title in France, a testament to his enduring impact on the team.

The 2023/24 season saw him achieve further club success, winning the EPCR Challenge Cup with the Sharks. In 2024, he continued to add to his impressive trophy cabinet, securing the Currie Cup Championship with the Sharks, along with multiple international honors including the Qatar Airways Cup (2023, 2024), Mandela Challenge Plate (2024), Freedom Cup (2024), Prince William Cup (2024), and the 2024 Rugby Championship with the Springboks, underscoring his continued dominance and marketability in global rugby.