François Steyn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
François Steyn

Steyn playing for Montpellier in 2016
Birth name	François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn
Date of birth	(1987-05-14) 14 May 1987 (age 38)
Place of birth	Aliwal North, South Africa
Height	1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight	110 kg (240 lb; 17 st 5 lb)
School	Grey College, Bloemfontein
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre, Fly-half, Full-back, Wing Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2009–2012 Racing Métro 92 59 (159) 2014–2015 Toshiba Brave Lupus 11 (47) 2015–2016 Toshiba Brave Lupus 10 (65) 2016–2020 Montpellier 102 (228) 2020–2022 Cheetahs 1 (0) Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 2006–2009 Sharks 18 (70) 2013 Sharks 2 (0) 2021–2023 Free State Cheetahs 18 (87) Super Rugby Years Team Apps (Points) 2007–2009 Sharks 38 (78) 2012–2014 Sharks 30 (167) 2015 Sharks 7 (38) 2020 Cheetahs 5 (0) National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2004–2005 South Africa U20 10 (64) 2006–2014 Springbok XV 3 (9) 2006–2022 South Africa 78 (168) 2007–2014 Barbarians 2 (0)

François Philippus Lodewyk Steyn (born 14 May 1987) is a famous South African former professional rugby union player. He was known as a "utility back" because he could play in many different positions. These included centre, fly-half, full-back, and wing.

People often called him "Daddy Frans". Steyn began his professional rugby journey with the Sharks when he was just 19 years old. He later played for teams in France and Japan. He returned to South Africa to play for the Cheetahs before he retired in 2023.

Steyn played 78 matches for the Springboks, which is South Africa's national team. He won the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2007 and 2019. This made him one of only two South African players to win the World Cup more than once. He was also the youngest player ever to win the World Cup! He was famous for his powerful long-distance kicks and strong tackles.

Steyn's Club Rugby Journey

François Steyn played for several top rugby clubs around the world. He started his career in South Africa before moving to play in France and Japan.

Playing for the Sharks

Steyn started playing for the Sharks in the Super 14 competition in 2007. He first played on the right wing. When another player, Percy Montgomery, got injured, Steyn moved to play as a full-back. He even played as a fly-half in some games.

He rejoined the Sharks in 2012. He even captained the team in some matches in 2013. In 2013, he helped the Sharks win the Currie Cup.

Playing in France and Japan

In 2009, Steyn moved to France to play for Racing Métro 92. He played there for a few years before returning to the Sharks.

In 2014, he signed a two-year deal to play for Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan. After his time in Japan, Steyn went back to France in 2016. He joined the club Montpellier. While playing for Montpellier, he helped them win the European Rugby Challenge Cup in 2016. They also reached the final of the Top 14 competition in 2018.

Returning to the Cheetahs and Retirement

After four seasons in France, Steyn came back to South Africa in 2020. He joined the Cheetahs. He played his first game for them in October 2020.

In March 2023, Steyn got a knee injury during a game. This injury meant he could not play for the rest of the season. In July 2023, at 36 years old, he announced that he was retiring from professional rugby. He decided not to play in the 2023 Rugby World Cup that year.

Steyn's International Career

Steyn before a South Africa match in 2008

François Steyn was a very important player for the Springboks. He started playing for his country when he was only 19 years old.

Early Days as a Springbok

Steyn made his debut for South Africa in 2006 against Ireland. He played on the wing and scored a try in his very first game! In his next match, he played as a full-back against England. He scored an amazing drop-goal from his own half of the field. He was also very good at kicking goals from far away.

In 2007, during the Tri Nations tournament, Steyn kicked two important drop goals against Australia. These kicks helped the Springboks win the game.

Rugby World Cup Success

Steyn played a big role in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. When another player got injured, Steyn stepped in to play inside centre. He helped the Springboks win their games. He was the starting inside centre in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final. He made a great play that led to a penalty for his team. He also kicked a penalty himself. He became the youngest player ever to win a Rugby World Cup.

In 2009, in his last game for the Springboks before moving to France, he kicked three penalties from his own half of the field against New Zealand. This was a very rare achievement in Test rugby.

Steyn reached 50 Test caps for South Africa in 2012. This made him the youngest South African player to reach this milestone.

After being away from international rugby for three years, Steyn was called back to play for South Africa in 2017. In 2019, he was part of the South African team that won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. This was his second World Cup win, making him one of only two South Africans to achieve this.

Honours and Achievements

François Steyn won many awards and titles during his rugby career.

Sharks

• Super 14
  • Runner-up (2): 2007
• Currie Cup
  • Winner (2): 2008, 2013

Montpellier

• European Rugby Challenge Cup
  • Winner (1): 2015-16
• Top 14
  • Runner-up (1): 2017-18

Free State Cheetahs

• Currie Cup
  • Winner (1): 2023

South Africa

• Rugby World Cup
  • Winner (2): 2007, 2019
• Tri Nations/The Rugby Championship
  • Winner (2): 2009, 2019
  • Runner-up (1): 2022

See also

In Spanish: François Steyn para niños