John+Smit

John William Smit is a former rugby player born on April 3rd, 1978. He has played on multiple rugby teams, such as the Saracens and Natal Sharks, but was most notably a player for the South African Springboks. His career with the Springboks lasted from 2000 to 2011, playing as a hooker and after 2004 also acting as the team captain. Following the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Smit retired from being a professional rugby player, but is still active within the community as the Shark’s CEO.

The highlight of Smit’s career with the Springboks was during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Prior to the World Cup, Smit suffered an injury while playing in the 2007 Tri Nations competition. While initially missing the first game of the cup, he managed a full recovery and was able to play the remaining six games. Thanks to his abilities as a natural leader, he lead his team to victory and allowed the Springboks to win the World Cup a second time.

Since his retirement, Smit has still found some recognition for his efforts. Later in 2011, after his departure from playing rugby, Smit was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. His record for the most international game appearances, totaling at 111, has yet to be broken. Today, Smit has found enjoyment in the bike racing world and has been practicing for the Cape Epic, a professional biking race held in Cape Town.