During his playing days, there is no doubt that Pierre Spies blazed a unique trail as one of the most formidable figure in South African and Springbok rugby, renowned for his raw power, exceptional pace, and ball-carrying ability.
Hailing from Pretoria, he burst onto the scene as a young prodigy, quickly establishing himself as a key player for both the Bulls and the Springboks, having made his Test debut at the age of 21 in 2006.
He was a pivotal member of the Bulls team that dominated Super Rugby during the late 2000s, contributing significantly to their multiple title wins. His ability to break tackles and cover ground with astonishing speed for a forward made him a nightmare for opposing defences.
At international level, Spies was part of the Springbok squad that clinched the British & Irish Lions series in 2009, with the powerful No 8 starting in both of the triumphant first two Tests.
Unfortunately, injuries did negatively impact Spies’ career at different times – which was at least part of the reason he finished his Springbok career with just 53 Test caps – and after stints in Japan and France, he was forced to retire in 2017.
Records/Honours:
- SA Currie Cup Player of the Year Nominee, 2006
- SA Player of the Year Nominee, 2006
- International New Player of the Year Nominee, 2006
- SA Most Promising Player of the Year, 2006
- Member of the Bulls Super 14 winning squad, 2007 & 2009
- Member of the Blue Bulls Currie Cup winning squad, 2009
- British & Irish Lions series winner, 2009
- Tri-Nations winner, 2009
What is former Springbok star Pierre Spies up to now?
A deeply committed Christian, Spies has been making a name for himself on the public stage as both a motivational speaker and a life coach.
According to the bio on his website, the 39-year-old works towards “taking everything he has learned in his stellar sports career and combining it with the lessons life has taught him to help others realise their potential and change their lives for the better”.
Having also studied theology, Spies aims to “use his faith as a foundation for his talks, examining the role belief plays in achieving goals and the universal lesson that unconditional love teaches us”.
Through his motivational speaking and life coaching engagements, Spies hopes to be an agent of change, as he explained in another recent interview.
“It’s amazing to see how what I have learned on my life’s journey thus far can have a positive impact on the corporate landscape,” he explained. “The fact that I can share my story and the experiences that have moulded me into the man I am today and use them to help others reach their life goals, change their mindsets and inspire team spirit is a blessing, and one I am eternally grateful for… It’s a gift I am compelled to pay forward.”
Family life
Spies married Juanne Weidemann in December, 2008, and they are parents to two boys and a girl.
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