ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA Schools Rugby
2015
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SA U/20 Rugby
2017
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Super Rugby Unlocked Winner (Bulls)
2019
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Currie Cup Winner (Bulls)
2020
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Currie Cup Winner (Bulls)
2021
POSITION:
Hooker
CLUB TEAM:
Vodacom Bulls
NATIONAL TEAM:
Springboks (2024 - Current)
HOMETOWN:
Paarl
DOB:
December 30, 1997
CATEGORY:
Icon
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
RUGBY CAPS:
3 (Springboks)
Johan Grobbelaar, born Cornelis Johannes Grobbelaar on December 30, 1997, in Paarl, South Africa, is a professional rugby union hooker known for his explosive carrying, strong tackling, and lineout prowess. Standing at 1.83 meters (6 ft 0 in) and weighing approximately 103-105 kg, the 27-year-old has established himself as a dynamic forward in South African rugby. He grew up in Paarl and attended Paarl Gymnasium, where he first showcased his talent, representing Western Province at the 2015 Under-18 Craven Week tournament. His team dominated the event, culminating in a 95–0 final win over Eastern Province, earning him a spot in the South Africa Schools squad for the Under-18 International Series.
Grobbelaar's youth international career peaked in 2017 with the South Africa Under-20 team at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship. Earlier, in the 2015 Under-18 series, he started all three games, scoring a try in a 42–11 win over Wales en route to successes against France (12–5) and England (23–16).
Transitioning to senior rugby, Grobbelaar joined the Blue Bulls academy in Pretoria post-school. He made his first-class debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2017 Currie Cup Premier Division, coming off the bench in a 54–22 victory over the Golden Lions on August 5, 2017.
His Super Rugby breakthrough came later that year with the Bulls, debuting as a second-half substitute in a 38–12 loss to the Lions on July 14, 2018. Grobbelaar has since become a Bulls mainstay, amassing over 72 appearances and 125 points by mid-2022, with totals continuing to grow. Key club achievements include the 2020 Super Rugby Unlocked title, back-to-back Currie Cup wins in 2020 and 2021, a 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup runner-up finish, and a 2021–22 United Rugby Championship (URC) runner-up spot. He was named to the URC "Dream Team" for 2021–22 and voted Bulls URC Players' Player of the Year in 2022.
On the international stage, Grobbelaar earned his first senior Springbok call-up in 2021 but debuted in 2024 during the Autumn Nations Series. As of May 24, 2025, he has three Test caps—all victories: against Australia, Portugal, and Wales—without scoring points but with a perfect 100% win rate. In October 2025, he expressed a strong desire to reclaim a Bok jersey, emphasizing set-piece dominance and consistent URC performances under new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann.
Grobbelaar's youth international career peaked in 2017 with the South Africa Under-20 team at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship. Earlier, in the 2015 Under-18 series, he started all three games, scoring a try in a 42–11 win over Wales en route to successes against France (12–5) and England (23–16).
Transitioning to senior rugby, Grobbelaar joined the Blue Bulls academy in Pretoria post-school. He made his first-class debut for the Blue Bulls in the 2017 Currie Cup Premier Division, coming off the bench in a 54–22 victory over the Golden Lions on August 5, 2017.
His Super Rugby breakthrough came later that year with the Bulls, debuting as a second-half substitute in a 38–12 loss to the Lions on July 14, 2018. Grobbelaar has since become a Bulls mainstay, amassing over 72 appearances and 125 points by mid-2022, with totals continuing to grow. Key club achievements include the 2020 Super Rugby Unlocked title, back-to-back Currie Cup wins in 2020 and 2021, a 2021 Pro14 Rainbow Cup runner-up finish, and a 2021–22 United Rugby Championship (URC) runner-up spot. He was named to the URC "Dream Team" for 2021–22 and voted Bulls URC Players' Player of the Year in 2022.
On the international stage, Grobbelaar earned his first senior Springbok call-up in 2021 but debuted in 2024 during the Autumn Nations Series. As of May 24, 2025, he has three Test caps—all victories: against Australia, Portugal, and Wales—without scoring points but with a perfect 100% win rate. In October 2025, he expressed a strong desire to reclaim a Bok jersey, emphasizing set-piece dominance and consistent URC performances under new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann.
