Legendary Springboks captain humbled by ‘full circle moment’ after receiving honorary doctorate

David Skippers
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Francois Pienaar image

Francois Pienaar was the first Springboks captain to lift the famous Webb Ellis Cup at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

Legendary Springboks captain and flanker Francois Pienaar’s achievements in the game were recognised on Wednesday when he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

Pienaar, who captained South Africa in all 29 of his Test appearances between 1993 and 1996, led the Springboks to their first of four triumphant Rugby World Cup campaigns in 1995.

This, after the Boks claimed a 15-12 victory over their arch-rivals, the All Blacks, after extra-time in the final of the global showpiece at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Pienaar, who is an alumnus of UJ, said having his achievement recognised by the university was a humbling experience.

‘A full circle moment’

“I feel like one of the luckiest sportsmen in the country. I have had the opportunity to experience what sport can do. This is indeed a full circle moment for me, and I feel very blessed to be able to receive this accolade from the University today,” he said during his acceptance speech.

The 59-year-old is regarded as one of the Springboks’ greatest captains and his leadership during the 1995 World Cup has been widely attributed as a key reason for their success at that tournament after they started that competition on home soil as underdogs.

The 1995 World Cup was held in South Africa just one year after the end of Apartheid.

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Iconic image after the 1995 World Cup final

One of the most iconic images in sport is of Pienaar lifting the Webb Ellis Cup after receiving it from South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela.

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Pienaar paid tribute to Mandela and the Boks’ coach at the 1995 World Cup, Kitch Christie, for the roles they played in his success.

“Allow me to highlight two giants, Moir ‘Kitch’ Christie, our coach, mentor, a fighter, a believer and a genius, and Nelson Mandela,” he said.

“The reason I am getting this honorary degree is because of these giants on whose shoulders I was able to stand from a very young age.

“Because of them, I was lucky enough to do extraordinary things. And for this, I am deeply grateful.”

Pienaar made his provincial debut for Transvaal (now the Lions) in 1989 and made 100 appearances for the Johannesburg-based outfit before joining English heavyweights Saracens in 1996. He represented them until his retirement in 2000.

READ MORE: Jean de Villiers: The one player the Springboks cannot afford to lose otherwise ‘we’re in trouble’

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