Francois+Pienaar

Jacobus Francois Pienaar, better known as Francois Pienaar, is a former rugby player for the South Africa Springboks. From 1993 to 1996, Pienaar played as a flanker and doubled as the team captain. However, in 1996, he was dropped from the team in a controversial move by the coach of the team, Andre Markgraaff, for “faking an injury” during a game. Pienaar would later go on to lead the English rugby team, the Saracens, before retiring from the Rugby world entirely in 2002.

Francois Pienaar is most widely known for his efforts as the Springbok’s captain in their successful bid to win the 1995 World Cup. After defeating every other team, the final match came down between the Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks. During over-time, Pieenar was sent out to play, despite a strained calf inhibiting him. Despite his injury, he scored the winning goal and the Springboks came out not only as the World Champions but the first South African team to win a World Cup. Pieenar was presented with the Webb Ellis Cup by Nelson Mandela, and in his acceptance speech, he noted the team had won the cup for all of the people of South Africa.

Pieenar’s career has led to much recognition and fame for himself. Because of his excellent Rugby record, in 2011, Pieenar was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. In 2004, Pieenar placed 50th in the Top 100 Great South Africans. He has also been notable in the media, with his autobiography, //Rainbow Warrior//, still on sale today, and he was even played by Matt Damon in the movie //Invictus//, released in 2009.