Jaguars RFC

O’s, what a legend!



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Sometimes, the road back into professional sport begins with something as ordinary as a phone call. In 2003, **Os du Randt** received one that would quietly change the final chapter of his career. The voice on the other end belonged to his former Springboks teammate, **Rassie Erasmus**, who had taken over as coach of the **Free State Cheetahs**. Erasmus had a simple question: would du Randt consider coming back? At that point, du Randt had already stepped away from top-level rugby, and the thought of returning seemed unlikely. Yet something about the invitation stirred an old competitive spark. Perhaps it was loyalty to Free State, perhaps unfinished business, or perhaps the simple love of the game that never truly fades. Whatever the reason, he agreed to give it another shot.

At first, the comeback was meant to be modest. Du Randt later admitted that when he returned in 2003, his only intention was to play for Free State and nothing more. The Springbok jersey felt like a closed chapter of his life. But rugby has a habit of surprising even the players themselves. After producing powerful performances in domestic competition, his form caught the attention of newly appointed Springboks coach **Jake White**. In 2004, White made the bold decision to recall the veteran prop to the national squad. What followed was one of the most remarkable revivals in South African rugby. Du Randt became a key figure in the Springboks’ resurgence that season, helping the team capture the **Tri Nations Series** title while the side was later recognized as the **IRB World Team of the Year**.

For du Randt, the experience felt almost surreal. Reflecting on it later, he said that when he returned to rugby in 2003, the Springbok jersey never crossed his mind again. Being given another opportunity by Jake White felt, in his words, like the very first time he had been selected. But the comeback did not come without criticism. Many in the media questioned whether he was simply too old for international rugby. The doubts grew louder in 2004 when du Randt earned his 50th Springbok cap during a match against the **England national rugby union team** at **Twickenham Stadium**. It should have been a proud milestone, but the day turned difficult when England prop **Julian White** dominated the scrum, leaving critics quick to question whether du Randt’s return had gone too far.

Yet rugby crowds in South Africa saw things differently. Whenever the towering prop stepped onto the field, stadiums echoed with the chant of his nickname—“Os… Os…”—a rumbling chorus that rolled across the stands. Supporters believed in him, even when the headlines didn’t. And so did Jake White. Despite constant talk about his age, White continued selecting du Randt, eventually including him in the squad for the **2007 Rugby World Cup** in France.

That tournament would deliver the most poetic ending imaginable. The Springboks powered through the pool stages, defeating the **Samoa national rugby union team** and the **Tonga national rugby union team**, before overcoming **Fiji national rugby union team** in the quarter-finals and **Argentina national rugby union team** in the semi-finals. Waiting in the final were the defending champions from England, setting up a tense rematch. The match itself was brutal and uncompromising, every scrum a fierce battle. Du Randt played the full 80 minutes, even producing a powerful run in the first half that reminded everyone of the strength that had defined his career. South Africa eventually triumphed 15–6, reclaiming the world title in a gritty contest.

For du Randt, the victory carried a special sense of history. He had been part of South Africa’s first World Cup triumph in the **1995 Rugby World Cup**, and now, more than a decade later, he stood once again as a world champion. He was the final active member of that 1995 squad, and by the time he retired he had become South Africa’s most-capped forward and the country’s third most-capped player overall. The journey felt almost unbelievable even to him. He admitted that when he retired earlier in his career, he never imagined finishing in a World Cup final. To begin his international career with a world title and end it with another was, he said, something he would cherish forever. He dedicated the achievement to his best friend, Alex.

Among his teammates, du Randt’s legacy was already secure. Fellow Springbok prop **CJ van der Linde** described him as a legend of South African rugby, someone whose name even young children recognized. According to van der Linde, people would one day fully appreciate just how much du Randt had done for his country and the leadership he provided on and off the field. After the Springboks lifted the trophy in 2007, du Randt announced his retirement from international rugby, bringing the remarkable comeback story to a close.

Great to see alignment taking place!



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𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Rassie Erasmus added two new players to the group who will attend the first virtual Springbok alignment camp, with Carlü Sadie and JJ van der Mescht among the 21 players from around the world who have cracked the nod 🇿🇦🚨

Some great news!

Are the Boks setting up a back up plan?

This is good strategy ie also making sure some of the experienced heads are available to support the youngsters.

Your thoughts?

Great news for Springbok fans 🇿🇦

“I had a meeting with him last year, and Franna was close to retiring,” Erasmus said.

“It was frustrating for him. Some of us gave him advice and said that if you retire, you can’t just say in three years that you are going to come back now.

“It’s better not to retire with the thought that you’ll come back in a few years. That was the advice from his other friends and us.”

Another prop who missed the entire 2025 season was fellow double World Cup winner Trevor Nyakane who is still working his way back from an ACL injury.

“There isn’t an emptiness without Trevor; he is actually a gain, he is not older today, he is younger because he hasn’t played much in the last two years,” he said.

FROM JAGUARS RUGBY CLUB TO THE SHARKS HEAD COACH!

Today, our hearts are swelling with Jaguar pride!

A massive congratulations to our very own JP Pietersen on being appointed as the Head Coach of The Sharks. Seeing one of our own rise from the fields of Jaguars RFC to leading one of the biggest franchises in world rugby is the ultimate inspiration for every young player pulling on our jersey every weekend.

JP, you’ve always carried the spirit of Jaguars with you—from winning World Cups to this incredible new chapter. Your journey proves that with hard work, humility, and the right foundation, there is no limit to how far you can go.

The entire Jaguars RFC family is behind you. Go lead them with the same heart you showed here!

Today, Jaguars RFC wishes Mr Gerald Pyoos a blessed and happy birthday!

Mr Pyoos is a long-standing member of the club and a valued member of our executive leadership. His contribution over the years has been invaluable in ensuring that the Jaguars legacy continues to grow and endure.

Mr Pyoos, your Jaguars family salutes and honours you today! 🐆💛🖤❤️

Kind regards,
Jaguars RFC Management & Family

We think JP’s doing a great job and should get the Sharks Head Coach role long term. What are your thoughts?



See article below:
Ex-Springbok's verdict on JP Pietersen coaching the Sharks amid 'frustrating' tactics https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ex-springboks-verdict-on-jp-pietersen-coaching-the-sharks-amid-frustrating-tacticsw

Ex-Springbok's verdict on JP Pietersen coaching the Sharks amid 'frustrating' tactics 💬 "He doesn't have to back down at all from the challenges that await him."