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Bryan Habana

Former rugby union player

By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published

Bryan Habana at the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2024
Photograph: Barcex · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0. Displayed from the linked source.

Bryan Habana is a former South African rugby wing who scored 67 tries in 124 Tests, won the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was named World Rugby Player of the Year that year. He received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2008. [1][2]

Biography

Habana was born in Johannesburg on 12 June 1983 and made his Springbok Test debut in 2004. World Rugby records that he went on to play 124 Tests and score 67 tries for South Africa. [1]

At the 2007 Rugby World Cup he scored eight tries as South Africa won the tournament and was named World Rugby Player of the Year. He later finished his World Cup career with 15 tries across tournaments. [1]

In October 2008 Habana received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. Government records cite his performance and contribution to the development and profile of rugby in South Africa. [2]

Key contributions

Played a central role in South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign and built one of the highest Test try totals in Springbok history. [1]

Received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for sporting achievement and contribution to South African rugby. [2]

Career timeline

  1. Made his Springbok Test debut. [1]

  2. Won the Rugby World Cup and was named World Rugby Player of the Year. [1]

  3. Received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. [2]

  4. Was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. [1]

Sources

  1. World Rugby, Hall of Fame: Bryan Habana. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩
  2. Government Communication and Information System, Pocket Guide to South Africa 2008/2009: Sports and Recreation. Original source. Accessed 2026-09-24. ↩