2019 Rugby Championship Grand Slam
The Springboks are the reigning world champions and have won the Rugby World Cup four times, more than any other country.
The South Africa national rugby union team, commonly known as the Springboks, is the country's national team, governed by the South African Rugby Union. The team play in green and gold jerseys with white shorts, and their emblem is the springbok. Their first test match was on 30 July 1891 against a British Isles touring team. The Springboks are the reigning world champions and have won the Rugby World Cup four times (1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023), more than any other country.
Quick Facts
- Key achievement
- First Rugby Championship title for South Africa since 2009, secured with a draw against New Zealand in Wellington
Lore & Background
The Springboks also compete in the annual Rugby Championship (previously the Tri-Nations), along with Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. They have won the Championship six times in 29 competitions and are the only team to have won the competition and the World Cup in the same year.
Reader's Guide
Rugby union is a highly popular sport in South Africa, often attracting the country's most talented athletes. Many teams have suffered their biggest record defeats to the Springboks, including Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, Uruguay and Wales.
Did You Know?
- The Springboks' victory over New Zealand, 15–12 in the 1995 final is remembered as one of the greatest moments in South Africa's sporting history.
- Sixteen former Springboks and influential South Africans have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term 2019 Rugby Championship Grand Slam refer to for the Springboks?
It describes the team's historic achievement of winning every match in that specific tournament cycle. South Africa defeated all three rivals to claim their first-ever clean sweep in this competition.
Who were the key leaders guiding the squad during this campaign?
Head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi directed the team's strategy and on-field performance. Their partnership was instrumental in driving a shift toward sharper tactics and physical intensity.
Which nations did South Africa overcome to secure this record?
The Boks claimed victory against Argentina, Australia, and the New Zealand All Blacks within one season. Defeating New Zealand served as the final hurdle to complete the set of wins required for the title.
How did this performance impact the team's reputation globally?
The campaign demonstrated sheer command over their Southern Hemisphere rivals through consistent dominance. It established the Springboks as a formidable force capable of controlling matches against top-tier opposition.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in South Africa Springboks
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced